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Maharashtra Aims for 100% Electric State Bus Fleet by 2037

Maharashtra's Transport Minister announced the state's target to fully electrify its 22,000-strong MSRTC bus fleet by 2037. This ambitious plan positions Maharashtra as the first Indian state to commit to a complete transition of its state-run bus network to electric vehicles. The strategy includes using solar power for charging stations, offering financial incentives for EV purchases, and developing extensive charging infrastructure along highways. While only about 800 buses are currently electric, the government has halted plans for new diesel buses, focusing future fleet additions entirely on EVs.

Key Points: Maharashtra Targets All-Electric MSRTC Bus Fleet by 2037

  • Full EV fleet by 2037
  • Solar-powered charging stations
  • 800 electric buses currently operational
  • Tax exemptions and toll waivers for EVs
  • Charging stations every 25 km on highways
2 min read

Maha govt sets 2037 target for 100 pc electric MSRTC bus fleet​

Maharashtra plans to convert its entire 22,000-bus MSRTC fleet to electric vehicles by 2037, advancing India's 2047 EV vision.

"It is the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for India to transition entirely to electric mobility by 2047. - Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik"

Mumbai, March 16

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Monday informed the Legislative Council that the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation will convert its entire fleet of 22,000 buses to electric vehicles by 2037. ​

He said the move positions Maharashtra as the first state in the country to commit to a complete transition of its state‑run bus network to EVs.​

Sarnaik said that out of 22,000 buses, around 800 are currently electric. He added that it is the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for India to transition entirely to electric mobility by 2047. ​

As part of that campaign, Maharashtra has advanced its target to ensure the MSRTC fleet becomes fully electric by 2037.​

He said that although there was an initial plan to purchase 5,000 diesel buses annually for the next five years, the strategy has been overhauled. ​

He stated that apart from the 8,000 diesel buses already in progress, all future additions to the fleet will be electric. He also said a scheme has been planned to convert diesel buses to EVs.​

Sarnaik added that a proposal has been created to use solar power for recharging charging stations, which will save electricity and help the environment.

He said the government has proposed using solar energy to run charging stations, reducing dependence on the traditional power grid.​

The minister said the state's EV Policy 2026 provides various monetary benefits for EV purchases, including tax exemptions and toll discounts. ​

EVs currently enjoy full toll waivers on major arterial routes such as the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg, and the Atal Setu (MTHL).​

He said the state government is developing charging stations every 25 km on highways, extending financial benefits, and promoting courses on developing charging technology.​

Delhi currently has the largest electric bus fleet in India, with over 4,200 EVs. Under its EV policy, the Delhi government aims to expand its electric bus fleet to 7,500 by the end of 2026 and to 14,000 by 2028.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Great initiative for the environment, but 2037 feels very far away. We need faster action on climate change. Also, hope the electricity grid can handle this massive shift, especially with more frequent power cuts in summer.
V
Vikram M
Waah! First state to commit fully. This will create so many jobs in EV manufacturing and maintenance. The toll waivers on expressways are a smart incentive. Hope other states follow Maharashtra's lead.
P
Priya S
As a daily MSRTC commuter, my main concern is reliability. Will these electric buses have the same range and frequency? What about charging time during long routes? The plan sounds good on paper, but execution is key.
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, I have to ask about the cost. Electric buses and solar infrastructure need huge investment. Will this lead to higher ticket prices for common people? The benefits are clear, but the funding plan should be transparent.
K
Kavya N
This is wonderful news for our cities' air quality! Less diesel fumes means healthier children and elderly. The solar charging part is the cherry on top. Hope they also focus on training drivers and mechanics for this new technology.

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