The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is planning to induct 8,000 additional diesel buses next year as delays in electric vehicle procurement and slow progress in CNG conversion hinder the transition to cleaner alternatives, according to officials cited by The Times of India.

Senior officials said MSRTC has so far received only 600 of the 5,150 electric buses ordered, with no clear timeline on when further deliveries will take place. Efforts to convert existing diesel buses to CNG have also progressed slowly, with only about 1,000 buses converted so far.

“This year, the transport body received 2,475 ordinary diesel buses, and next year 8,000 more such buses will join the fleet. With this, the total fleet strength will significantly improve, resulting in more stops, destinations and trips. Work is under way,” MSRTC public relations officer Abhijit Bhosle said.

MSRTC’s total fleet currently comprises 14,887 buses. In November 2023, the corporation awarded a contract to Evey Trans Private Limited for the supply of 5,150 electric buses over a two-year period. The supplier was expected to deliver 1,935 buses by January 2025, with the balance scheduled for delivery by June 2026.

Following repeated delays, the state transport minister had initially cancelled the contract, before reinstating it later with a revised delivery schedule.

“Progress on the EV front and the conversion of diesel buses into CNG is moving at a snail’s pace. The delays in acquiring e-buses have forced MSRTC to focus on diesel buses, as the fleet size is weak and needs to be in the range of 23,000 to 24,000 without further delays,” an official said, requesting anonymity.

The official added that while the transport body is expected to receive the electric buses eventually, a firm timeline cannot be committed at this stage.