Maharashtra Aims for 100% Electric MSRTC Bus Fleet by 2037
Synopsis
In a bold move, Maharashtra's Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has announced the transition of the MSRTC's entire fleet to electric vehicles by 2037, making it the first state in India to undertake such an initiative. This aligns with India's broader goal of electric mobility by 2047.
Key Takeaways
Maharashtra plans to transition its entire MSRTC fleet to electric by 2037.
The state currently operates around 800 electric buses.
Future fleet additions will be electric, with plans to convert existing diesel buses.
Solar energy will be used for charging infrastructure.
The EV Policy 2026 offers incentives for electric vehicle purchases.
Mumbai, March 16 (NationPress) - On Monday, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced to the Legislative Council that the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is set to transition its entire fleet of 22,000 buses to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2037.
This initiative positions Maharashtra as the pioneering state in India to fully commit to electrifying its state-run bus network.
Sarnaik highlighted that currently, approximately 800 buses out of the total fleet are electric. He emphasized that this plan aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for India to achieve total electric mobility by 2047.
To further this agenda, Maharashtra has accelerated its goal to have the MSRTC fleet fully electric by 2037.
Initially, there were intentions to procure 5,000 diesel buses each year for the next five years; however, this strategy has been significantly revised.
Sarnaik noted that besides the 8,000 diesel buses already in progress, any future additions to the fleet will be electric. Moreover, plans are underway to convert diesel buses into EVs.
A proposal has also been introduced to utilize solar energy for charging stations, which will conserve electricity and benefit the environment.
The minister mentioned that the government intends to power these charging stations with solar energy, thereby decreasing reliance on the conventional power grid.
According to him, the state’s EV Policy 2026 offers several financial incentives for purchasing EVs, including tax exemptions and toll discounts.
EVs currently enjoy complete toll waivers on major routes such as the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Nagpur–Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg, and the Atal Setu (MTHL).
The state government is actively working on establishing charging stations every 25 km along highways, extending financial benefits, and promoting educational courses focused on charging technology development.
Currently, Delhi boasts the largest fleet of electric buses in India, with over 4,200 EVs. The Delhi government aims to expand its electric bus fleet to 7,500 by the end of 2026 and 14,000 by 2028.
Point of View
Maharashtra's commitment to converting its bus fleet to electric vehicles by 2037 marks a significant step towards sustainable transportation and aligns well with national aspirations for electric mobility. This initiative could serve as a model for other states.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the target year for MSRTC's full transition to electric buses?
Maharashtra aims to convert its entire MSRTC bus fleet to electric vehicles by 2037.
How many buses are currently electric in the MSRTC fleet?
Currently, approximately 800 out of the total 22,000 MSRTC buses are electric.
What incentives does the Maharashtra EV Policy 2026 provide?
The EV Policy 2026 offers various monetary benefits, including tax exemptions and toll discounts for electric vehicle purchases.
How will charging stations for electric buses be powered?
The government plans to use solar energy to power charging stations, reducing reliance on the traditional power grid.
Which state currently has the largest electric bus fleet in India?
Delhi currently has the largest electric bus fleet in India, with over 4,200 EVs.
