Pune: MSRTC To Scrap 72 Shivneri And Shivshahi Buses In Auction On March 21
Pune: MSRTC To Scrap 72 Shivneri And Shivshahi Buses In Auction On March 21
Pune: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has decided to scrap 72 old and non-functional Shivshahi and Shivneri buses from its Pune division. These buses, which have exceeded their lifespan, will be auctioned on March 21 through the Metal Scrap Trade Corporation (MSTC), a central government agency. The MSRTC expects to generate around ₹2.5 to ₹3 crore from the auction.
Decision Following Swargate Incident
After the Swargate bus stand incident, which highlighted security concerns, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik directed that all outdated and non-operational buses across the state be scrapped by April 15. In line with this directive, MSRTC’s Pune division identified 72 Shivshahi and Shivneri buses that had been lying unused for over a year, occupying space and even facing incidents of theft.
Clearing Space for New Fleet and Charging Stations
MSRTC is actively adding new buses to its fleet, including 30 eco-friendly “Shivai” buses. The scrapping of old buses will free up space for parking and expanding electric bus charging stations, which have been facing capacity constraints at the Pune divisional office near Shankar Sheth Road.
Auction Process
- The buses will be auctioned through the official MSRTC website.
- Bidders must register and submit their bids online.
- The auction includes individual components (such as seats, engines, metal parts, wheels, and electrical items) or the entire bus as a unit.
- The highest bidder will take ownership of the buses, which must be scrapped within a specified timeframe.
Past Scrapping Initiatives
In 2024, MSRTC scrapped 240 old buses across 14 depots, earning ₹8.5 crore in revenue.
According to MSRTC Pune Division, the tender process has been completed, and the auction for the 72 buses is scheduled for March 21.
