Maharashtra: MSRTC Plans To Add 25,000 New Red Buses In Five Years
Maharashtra: MSRTC Plans To Add 25,000 New Red Buses In Five Years
Mumbai, January 29, 2025 – Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar has given in-principle approval to a proposal for acquiring 25,000 new state-owned red buses (Lal Pari) for the State Transport Corporation over the next five years. This plan involves procuring 5,000 buses annually, according to Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.
Minister Sarnaik shared the update following a review meeting for the 2025-26 state budget convened by Deputy CM Pawar. He highlighted that the current fleet of the State Transport Corporation consists of 14,300 buses, out of which 10,000 buses are over a decade old and set to be phased out in the next 3-4 years.
“To ensure the self-reliance of the State Transport Corporation, acquiring new buses is essential. We have developed a five-year plan to add 5,000 new red buses each year, totaling 25,000 by 2029. Deputy CM Pawar has recognized the urgency and granted in-principle approval,” Sarnaik said, expressing his gratitude to the finance minister for the prompt decision.
The initiative also includes plans to incorporate 5,000 electric buses by 2029, creating a robust fleet of 30,000 buses to serve Maharashtra’s population. Sarnaik emphasized the vision of achieving connectivity across every village in the state, ensuring “a bus ride for everyone, everywhere.”
On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Anand Dighe, Sarnaik stated, “Deputy CM Pawar’s approval for this proposal is a wonderful gift to the people who cherish the State Transport buses. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to him.”
