MSRTC To Expand ‘Shivneri’ Bus Service Beyond Mumbai–Pune; 200 New Volvo Buses To Be Added
MSRTC's Shivneri Network Grows: 8 New Routes Announced Across Maharashtra
Mumbai | March 4, 2026
The premium ‘Shivneri’ bus service of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), popularly known as the “Queen” of the Mumbai–Pune highway, will soon expand its operations across Maharashtra. The announcement was made by Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik.
Launched in 2002, the Shivneri service has earned the trust of upper middle-class passengers due to its punctuality, superior seating comfort and safe travel standards. Despite slightly higher fares compared to other bus services, the consistent passenger response has ensured that the service has remained profitable since its inception, the minister said.
To facilitate statewide expansion, the corporation has initiated the tender process to procure 200 new state-of-the-art Volvo buses equipped with advanced technology. Once inducted into the fleet, Shivneri services will be introduced on key intercity routes beyond Mumbai–Pune.
Proposed Routes Include:
Nashik–Pune, Nashik–Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nashik–Jalgaon–Dhule, Pune–Kolhapur, Pune–Sangli, Pune–Solapur, Nagpur–Chandrapur, and Nagpur–Amravati–Akola.
The move is expected to provide passengers across various regions with a luxurious, safe and reliable travel option.
एसटीच्या 'शिवनेरी' ची झेप आता मुंबई -पुण्याच्या पलीकडे..! pic.twitter.com/3TnobObXBx
— Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (@msrtcofficial) March 4, 2026
Currently, eco-friendly e-Shivneri bus services are operating on routes such as Dadar–Swargate, Dadar–Shivajinagar, Borivali–Swargate, Borivali–Shivajinagar, Thane–Swargate and Thane–Shivajinagar, receiving an enthusiastic response from commuters.
MSRTC also offers a 50 percent fare concession to women passengers and senior citizens aged between 65 and 75 years, while those above 75 years travel free on Shivneri buses.
Additionally, 30 sleeper coaches will be included in the new fleet. These ‘Sleeper Shivneri’ buses will be introduced on long-distance routes currently served by non-AC sleeper services, offering enhanced comfort, modern amenities and improved safety standards.
The expansion of Shivneri marks not just the growth of a bus service but a new chapter in Maharashtra’s progressive and dynamic travel culture, Minister Sarnaik stated.
