MSRTC Pune Cuts Loss Routes, Adds 150 CNG, Electric Buses

07 Jul 2025 CW Team

The Pune division of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will shut down loss making services as part of a route restructuring designed to boost finances and efficiency. New compressed natural gas and electric coaches will replace older vehicles on long distance, high demand corridors, with 150 fresh buses scheduled to join the fleet by year end.

The shake up follows a white paper on MSRTC operations presented by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik. Divisional controller Arun Siya confirmed that routes with persistent deficits are being axed, while profitable sectors receive upgraded stock.

Pune’s division currently runs 14 depots and 42 stations, fielding roughly 850 vehicles, including 64 electric “Shivai” buses, 36 Volvo “Shivshahi” luxury coaches and 200 CNG units. Seventy new buses have already entered service, and further additions will arrive in phases. A revised timetable will favour high demand journeys while trimming wage, maintenance and peak season costs.

In 2024 25, buses from Swargate and Shivajinagar depots generated about Rs 550 million each month; the restructuring targets Rs 650 million. “Non viable routes will no longer continue,” Siya said, stressing that the overhaul is essential to cut losses and improve public service.

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