Maharashtra Commits to Full Electric Bus Fleet by 2037, Ends Diesel Bus Purchases

Key Highlights

• Maharashtra will convert all 22,000 MSRTC buses to electric by 2037
• State cancels new diesel bus purchases and shifts to electric-only acquisitions
• 800 electric buses are currently in operation out of the 22,000-strong fleet
• Electric vehicles will receive toll waivers and tax exemptions under state policy
• Only 600 out of 5,150 targeted electric buses delivered by 2025 deadline

Statewide Electric Bus Transition

Currently, MSRTC operates 22,000 buses, with 800 already running on electric power. The transition to a fully electric fleet will occur in phases. Minister Sarnaik described the 2037 target as an interim step toward India's national goal of complete electric mobility by 2047, a vision supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Maharashtra has scrapped its earlier plan to buy 5,000 diesel buses each year for five years. All future bus acquisitions will now be electric. The state also plans to convert existing diesel buses to electric vehicles. However, 8,000 diesel buses already in progress will still be added, but no new diesel procurement will take place after that.

At the Commercial Vehicle Forum 2025 in Pune, Sarnaik outlined that older buses will be phased out and replaced with new electric vehicles. The state aims to increase the MSRTC fleet to 25,000 buses by 2029, with all buses eventually electric.

Infrastructure and Policy Support

The Maharashtra government has proposed using solar energy to power EV charging stations. This aims to reduce reliance on the conventional electricity grid and lower operational costs. MSRTC has mandated that all new retail fuel outlets on its land, set up through public-private partnerships, must include EV charging stations alongside traditional fuel dispensers.

Under the Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy 2025, electric vehicles will receive a 100 percent toll waiver on the Atal Setu, Mumbai-Pune Expressway, and Samruddhi Mahamarg. The policy also offers tax exemptions and toll discounts to encourage adoption of electric vehicles in both public and private transport sectors.

Implementation Progress and Challenges

Despite clear policy direction, implementation has faced delays. MSRTC set a target in November 2023 to procure 5,150 electric buses by 2025. So far, only about 600 electric buses have been delivered, which is roughly 12 percent of the target. This slow progress has led to frustration among some commuters.

Minister Sarnaik acknowledged that most of the current fleet still runs on diesel. He said the transition to electric buses will require sustained effort and continued investment in charging infrastructure across the state.