Pune: Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC)’s own e-bus expansion remains sluggish despite state govt’s push for electric mobility, casting doubt on its target of adding 2,300 electric buses to its fleet by March next year.MSRTC’s e-bus fleet has grown by only 30 buses in recent months, rising from 738 earlier this year to 768 as of Tuesday. The fleet currently includes Shivai and e-Shivneri buses.While charging infrastructure has expanded, officials admit significant work remained. “Work orders have been issued for 121 charging stations at 92 locations, with power supply work under way for 73 stations,” an MSRTC official said.The slow induction rate has raised concerns over the corporation’s ability to meet its ambitious fleet target. The official said deliveries were continuing but at a slow pace. “More than 1,000 buses could join the fleet by year-end, but it is difficult to say if the fleet will reach 2,300 by March,” the official said.MSRTC has repeatedly revised its electrification goals. In 2022, then vice-chairperson and managing director Shekhar Channe had announced plans to induct 5,000 e-buses by the end of 2025. The plan was derailed by Covid-19 disruptions and battery-related challenges.The corporation has now set a fresh target of 2,460 e-buses by 2027-28, though the officials said achieving even that would depend on faster deliveries from private operators. “The transport department had last year sought cancellation of its contract with Olectra Greentech-Evey Trans over delays in bus supplies but later withdrew the move and extended delivery timelines. The officials said the procurement process continued to move slowly,” another official said.The e-bus programme is part of a broader electrification strategy. State transport minister Pratap Sarnaik has said the state aimed to convert the entire MSRTC fleet to electric buses by 2037, while work was under way to set up 600 additional charging stations. chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had on June 1 directed MSRTC to accelerate the rollout of a statewide charging network. Govt has set targets of converting 50% of the fleet to electric by 2029, 80% by 2035 and the entire fleet by 2047.Commuters, however, said expanding the overall fleet should take precedence. MSRTC currently operates 14,748 buses, down from more than 16,000 in previous years. “There have been frequent complaints about poor bus conditions. Recently, the front door of an ST bus in Palghar came off while in service. MSRTC should focus on quickly increasing the fleet, even with conventional buses,” commuter Manoj Patange said.Shivajinagar resident Rupesh Naik echoed the concern, saying fleet shortages had increased waiting times and led to frequent breakdown complaints. “E-buses can come when they do, but increasing the number of buses on the road should be the top priority,” he said.
