The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), which is currently facing a deficit of Rs 1–1.5 crore every day, is set to receive a major boost with the induction of 8,300 new buses this year, state Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Thursday.
Sarnaik, who also serves as MSRTC Chairman, expressed confidence that the expanded fleet would significantly improve revenue and help stabilise the corporation financially by the end of the year.
“If buses increase, passenger numbers will rise, and with more passengers, revenue will automatically grow,” he said.
From pre-Covid peak to decline
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, MSRTC operated 18,000 to 19,000 buses every day and ferried around 66 lakh passengers. However, bus procurement slowed over the past four to five years due to the pandemic and a prolonged employees’ strike. By the end of 2024, the operational fleet had declined to around 12,600 buses.
Following the state government’s decision to provide a 50 per cent fare concession to women and free travel for senior citizens above 75 years, daily ridership has rebounded to nearly 50 lakh passengers. However, several routes continue to face shortages due to inadequate frequency.
8,300-bus expansion plan
Under MSRTC’s long-term strategy, the corporation plans to procure 20,000 to 25,000 buses over the next few years, with in-principle approval from the state government. In the first phase this year, 8,300 buses will be inducted.
The new fleet will include:
Three thousand ‘3X2’ seating configuration, 55-seater buses. These buses will be inducted in phases starting March and named after Rajmata Jijau Saheb and deployed on high-demand inter-city routes.
Five thousand standard buses, currently in the final stage of tendering.
Hundred midi buses to improve connectivity in remote and tribal areas.
Two hundred technologically advanced buses aimed at competing with private transport operators.
With the expanded fleet, the corporation aims to increase daily ridership to 70–75 lakh passengers.
Bridging the revenue gap
Currently, MSRTC’s daily expenditure stands at Rs 34–35 crore, while revenue is around Rs 33 crore, resulting in a shortfall of Rs 1–1.5 crore every day.
“MSRTC is not a profit-making enterprise; it is a lifeline for the common people of the state. However, we must at least balance expenditure and revenue to minimise losses. Once the new buses are operational, revenue will certainly improve and the corporation will become financially stable,” Sarnaik said.
Often referred to as ‘Lalpari’, the iconic red buses serve rural, tribal and remote regions across Maharashtra. With additional services on halt routes and high-traffic corridors, the corporation is preparing for a renewed push to strengthen its statewide network.
“We are confident that by the end of this year, MSRTC will emerge from its financial difficulties,” the minister added.
