Pune: MSRTC officials have claimed that the transport utility would see a substantial boost of approximately 8,000 buses within the next six to eight months after a state economic survey report revealed only marginal growth in its fleet. Officials said these new buses would start arriving in April in monthly batches of 300 to 500. As per the economic survey report, in FY 2024-25, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) fleet consisted of 15,710 buses; by FY 2025-26, that number had only risen to 16,199. Daily operational figures showed a similar trend, increasing from 14,361 buses on the road in 2024-25 to 14,926 in 2025-26. Despite the slight increase in vehicles, passenger numbers actually dropped, falling from 57.45 lakh to 55.90 lakh over the same period. Abhijit Bhosle, MSRTC Public Relations Officer, told TOI: “We remain committed to adding 8,000 diesel buses to the fleet. Deliveries begin next month, with 300 to 500 buses joining each month. Our goal is to reach a total fleet of 24,000 buses by the end of 2026. By Oct this year, we expect to receive all the new buses.” However, other officials speaking on condition of anonymity said the actual size of the fleet is unlikely to grow significantly due to the high volume of aging vehicles. “Nearly 3,000 buses need to be scrapped in 2026-27,” an official said. “If we scrap those and add 8,000, the figure might reach 22,000. But given the current delivery rate of 300-500 buses a month, it is unlikely we will hit the 8,000 target this year. A more realistic estimate for the year-end fleet size is between 19,000 and 20,000.“Commuters also expressed frustration over the pace of modernisation. “The figures speak for themselves,” said Ganesh Karwe, a frequent commuter and small-business owner. “The fleet grew by fewer than 500 buses last year. We are seeing frequent breakdowns and poor maintenance. Because the govt hasn’t acted fast enough to improve efficiency, people are increasingly turning to private operators.” The corporation’s track record with previous promises has also drawn criticism. In 2022, upon receiving its first e-bus, the MSRTC announced that 5,000 electric buses would join the fleet within three years. To date, only a little over 600 e-buses are operational, and authorities have remained silent on delivery targets for this year. “There are many announcements, but very little work on the ground,” said Subhal Joshi, a working professional. “Last year, the condition of the Shivshahi bus I took to Solapur was pathetic. Now, they are saying Shivshahi buses will be converted to ordinary buses and new diesel Shiveneri buses will be added. When these buses will actually arrive is anyone’s guess.”
