Pune : 500 diesel buses to be converted to CNG by MSRTC
In Pune, Maharashtra, the push for cleaner public transportation is gaining momentum. With a fleet of 800 buses in the Pune State Transport (ST) department, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is taking steps to reduce pollution. Thus, 500 old diesel-powered buses will be converted to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
Already, 60 buses have made the switch, with plans to convert the rest gradually. Each conversion costs around ₹12.5 lakh.
The transformation is happening in phases, starting with the Shirur depot, where the first batch of buses have been successfully converted. Next in line is the Rajguru Nagar depot. Alongside, efforts are underway to bolster the electric bus (e-bus) fleet. Currently, Pune boasts 64 e-buses, including 44 e-Shivneri and 20 e-Shivai.
Looking ahead, the aim is to have the majority of buses in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad cities run on alternative fuels, with e-buses taking the lead. Plans include integrating e-Shivai into the MSRTC fleet. This move aligns with the broader goal of transitioning towards cleaner, greener transportation options.
As the workshop at Dapodi churns out CNG buses and efforts continue to expand the e-bus fleet, Pune is on track to lead the way towards a cleaner, more sustainable future in public transportation.
