Maha CM directs MSRTC to set up e-bus charging network
Mumbai, June 1
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday directed the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation to set up a network of charging stations for e-buses across the state.
He asked the administration to vigorously implement the target of converting 100 of the state transport (ST) bus fleet into e-buses under the 'Viksit Maharashtra' initiative.
"Under the 'Viksit Maharashtra' initiative, the State Transport (ST) corporation aims to convert 50 per cent of its fleet into e-buses by 2029, 80 per cent by 2035, and achieve a 100 per cent transition by 2047. In line with this vision," said the CM at a high-level meeting regarding the e-buses of the MSRTC.
CM Fadnavis stated that the routes designated for these eco-friendly e-buses should be analysed using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.
He ordered that upon receiving the buses from the suppliers, their inspection must be completed within the next seven days. He added that an entire ecosystem needs to be developed for these buses, and private bus routes should also be studied to keep e-bus alternatives ready on those lines.
Under the state government's current Electric Vehicle (EV) policy, promotion is being actively given to scale up the use of e-buses in the public transport system.
According to this policy, a provision has been made to grant a 10 per cent subsidy on bus costs, up to a maximum of Rs 20 lakh, for 1,500 e-buses. This policy plays a crucial role in developing an eco-friendly, sustainable public transport system in the state, the government release said.
The MSRTC is currently implementing an ambitious project of 5,150 e-buses under the GCC (Gross Cost Contract) model.
CM Fadnavis emphasised that this project will provide modern, comfortable, and pollution-free travel facilities to passengers in the state.
CM's directives come as MSRTC manages a massive fleet of roughly 15,000 to 22,000 buses, which is the lifeline of rural Maharashtra. Transport department sources said e-buses cannot be swapped 1:1 with diesel buses because they require scheduled downtime for charging.
CM Fadnavis's directive to use AI is meant to optimise route planning. AI algorithms will calculate grid availability, traffic patterns, terrain slopes (which drain batteries faster), and passenger loads to determine exactly where and when a bus should stop to fast-charge without disrupting the passenger timetable.
Under a GCC model (or dry lease), a private operator owns, maintains, and deploys the buses, while MSRTC pays them a fixed rate per kilometre and collects the ticket revenue.
While the GCC model reduces upfront costs for the government, Maharashtra has faced severe delays from private manufacturers in delivering these contracted buses. Because of these supply-chain bottlenecks, MSRTC intends to move toward owning its own buses outright rather than relying solely on private operators, making the setup of its own independent charging infrastructure even more critical, stated the transport department sources.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is the kind of forward-thinking policy we need. AI route planning makes total sense - our roads are chaotic and buses need smart scheduling. However, I worry about the private manufacturers' delays mentioned in the article. MSRTC should have backup plans.
One thing that concerns me - 10% subsidy up to Rs 20 lakh sounds good but will private operators actually benefit? The GCC model already has delivery issues. Also, e-buses need maintenance staff trained properly. Otherwise, we'll have beautiful buses sitting idle in depots.
Finally some good news for public transport! 🚌⚡ As someone who travels daily on ST buses, I can tell you the current fleet is in bad shape. E-buses will be a game changer if charging stations are set up properly. Hope they don't forget about the ghat sections - batteries drain fast on those slopes!
Good step but why only MSRTC? What about BEST buses in Mumbai? They should also be converted. Also, 2047 is too far - by then other states will have achieved it much earlier. The article says 50% by 2029 but with current delays, that seems optimistic. Let's hope execution matches intention.
As someone who works in logistics, I appreciate the AI angle. Route optimisation based on terrain and traffic is smart. But the real challenge will be grid capacity - if all these buses need fast charging simultaneously, can the local power grid handle it? They need to invest in grid upgrades too.
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