In a transformative move aimed at both cutting pollution and reducing fuel costs, the Maharashtra government has decided to transition its state transport fleet to hybrid buses starting next year. According to official sources, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will begin procuring 20,000 hybrid buses between 2026 and 2030—signalling a major policy shift toward cleaner, more economical public transport.
The decision, taken during a recent meeting of the transport department, comes in light of rising operational costs and growing environmental concerns. As it stands, all MSRTC buses operate on diesel, consuming around 1.07 million litres of fuel annually. This amounts to ₹34,000 crore each year—accounting for 34% of the corporation’s total expenses.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik reportedly stated that the introduction of hybrid buses, which use a combination of CNG or LNG along with diesel, is expected to result in annual fuel savings of ₹235 crore. An agreement signed with fuel supplier Kings Gas will see LNG provided at rates 20% lower than the current price of diesel. While 5,000 diesel buses are still being procured this year under existing commitments, the minister is said to have clarified that from next year onward, only hybrid buses will be acquired—at the rate of 5,000 per year for four years.
These hybrid buses will primarily operate using LNG and CNG, resorting to diesel only during emergencies. They also offer better fuel efficiency, covering approximately 5–5.5 km per litre, compared to 4 km per litre by conventional diesel buses. To support this ambitious shift, infrastructure development is already in motion. The government will establish LNG refuelling stations at 90 locations across Maharashtra. Additionally, Mahanagar Gas will install 20 new CNG pumps to further facilitate smooth operation of the new fleet.
Share
Tweet
