MSRTC plans e-bus fleet expansion, but charging infrastructure lags

Pune: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) may be planning a major expansion of its e-bus fleet, but the current charging infrastructure remains inadequate.According to data provided by the state transport body, MSRTC currently operates 738 e-buses. By the end of the 2026-27 financial year, the number is expected to rise to 2,300 — an increase of more than 200%. MSRTC, however, currently has only 39 charging stations. By 2027-28, another 2,460 e-buses are expected to be added to the fleet.State transport minister Pratap Sarnaik told TOI that the tender process for setting up more than 600 additional charging stations across the state would be finalised by next month."As per our plan, all MSRTC properties will provide 1,500sqm of space for setting up at least three charging points or machines. We have around 200 such properties, and the project will be implemented on a PPP model. We believe this plan will ensure adequate charging infrastructure for all e-buses," he said.The minister added that by 2035, MSRTC aims to convert its entire fleet of more than 16,000 buses into e-buses."Once the project begins on the ground, it will take at least two years to complete. To make it more financially viable, these charging stations will also be opened to the general public when our buses are not using them. EV owners will be able to charge their vehicles at these stations. This will help expand the charging network across the state and ensure that both buses and private EVs do not face charging issues," Sarnaik said.Sources told TOI that some charging points are expected to become operational by the end of the current financial year."It is difficult to say how many such stations will actually come up at this stage. Once the tender process begins, private agencies will have to show interest in the project. Right now, we do not know how many parties will participate. The real picture of whether the project will succeed or not will become clear only by the end of next month," an MSRTC official said.Another official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the charging infrastructure should have been developed earlier."If the goal is to convert the entire fleet into e-buses, the charging infrastructure should already have been strengthened. There also needs to be a contingency plan in case the project receives a poor response. Planning must happen now, especially since a large number of e-buses are expected to join the fleet by next March. The project is moving at a snail's pace, which is worrying," the official said.