Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation’s Move Towards Sustainable Transportation Solutions
In a significant stride towards environmental conservation, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has embarked on a mission to enhance the eco-friendliness of public transportation in Pune. With a fleet of 800 buses under the Pune State Transport (ST) department, MSRTC is spearheading efforts to mitigate pollution by converting 500 old diesel buses to operate on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
The conversion initiative marks a pivotal step in the transition towards cleaner fuel alternatives, aimed at reducing emissions and promoting sustainability in urban mobility. At present, 60 buses have already undergone the conversion process, with plans in place for the gradual transformation of the remaining diesel-powered vehicles. Each conversion entails an investment of approximately ₹12.5 lakh, reflecting MSRTC’s commitment to eco-friendly initiatives.
The conversion process is being executed in phases, with the Shirur depot serving as the pioneering site for the successful conversion of the initial batch of buses. Subsequently, the conversion efforts will extend to the Rajguru Nagar depot, further amplifying the adoption of CNG-powered buses across the city. Concurrently, efforts are underway to bolster the electric bus (e-bus) fleet, contributing to a diversified and sustainable public transit network.
Presently, Pune boasts 64 e-buses, comprising 44 e-Shivneri and 20 e-Shivai, which exemplify the city’s proactive approach towards embracing green mobility solutions. Looking ahead, MSRTC envisions a future where the majority of buses in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad cities operate on alternative fuels, with e-buses playing a pivotal role in leading the charge towards environmental conservation.
Plans are underway to integrate e-Shivai buses into the MSRTC fleet, further augmenting the adoption of electric buses and solidifying Pune’s position as a trailblazer in sustainable transportation initiatives. With the workshop at Dapodi facilitating the conversion of diesel buses to CNG and efforts to expand the e-bus fleet gaining momentum, Pune is poised to set a commendable precedent for cleaner, greener public transportation systems.
