In a major move towards sustainability and financial independence, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has unveiled plans to establish large-scale solar energy projects across its vacant land and building rooftops throughout the state. The initiative aims to generate 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity annually — power valued at nearly Rs 10 billion (Rs 1,000 crore) — helping MSRTC significantly reduce costs and its dependence on external power supply. The plan was announced by Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik during a high-level meeting at the corporation’s headquarters on Monday. The meeting was attended by Vice Chairman and Managing Director Dr Madhav Kusekar and other senior officials. Sarnaik described the upcoming ‘Solar Energy Hub’ as an ambitious model project that could become a benchmark for other state undertakings. Under the scheme, solar panels will be installed not only on the rooftops of depots, workshops, and bus stands, but also across large tracts of unused MSRTC land. If required, additional barren government land will be leased at nominal rates to expand capacity. Currently, MSRTC consumes around 15 MW of electricity per year, incurring annual expenses of Rs 250–300 million (Rs 25–30 crore) paid to the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL). However, with the planned deployment of thousands of electric buses, its power demand is expected to increase sharply to about 280 MW. By generating its own solar power, MSRTC anticipates savings of nearly Rs 10 billion annually, transforming the corporation’s financial outlook and reducing reliance on state subsidies. The project will be executed under a public–private partnership (PPP) model, leveraging funding from central and state renewable energy programmes. “This initiative will not only make MSRTC energy self-sufficient but also set a strong example for renewable energy adoption across Maharashtra,” said Sarnaik, highlighting the corporation’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and long-term economic stability.