MSRTC Completes Tender For 5,000 New Lalpari Buses As Maharashtra Moves To Replace Ageing Fleet
Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has completed the tender process for procurement of 5,000 new ‘Lalpari’ buses, Transport Minister and MSRTC chairman Pratap Sarnaik said on Sunday. The move comes as the state-run transporter faces a shortage of buses and increasing dependence on vehicles that are 12 to 14 years old. The new buses are expected to improve…
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has successfully concluded the tender process for acquiring 5,000 new 'Lalpari' buses, according to Transport Minister and MSRTC chairman Pratap Sarnaik. This development comes as the state-run transporter grapples with a shortage of buses and a reliance on aging vehicles, many of which are between 12 to 14 years old.
The introduction of the new fleet is anticipated to enhance reliability, decrease breakdowns, and bolster services, especially in rural regions. Tata Motors secured the lowest bid in the tender process. Sarnaik emphasized that the quality of the buses would not be compromised. With over 5,000 buses expected to retire and be scrapped within the next six months, the procurement is of critical importance for MSRTC's operations.
The corporation has already initiated the modernization of its fleet, with 2,640 new buses featuring a 2x2 seating arrangement already in use, and the rollout of 3,000 'Rajmata Jijau' buses with 3x2 seating is ongoing. The additional buses will assist MSRTC in addressing issues such as the cancellation of school trips and the lack of overnight buses in rural areas.
MSRTC is looking to adopt a 'bus on demand' model, ensuring services are available where there is sufficient demand, although Sarnaik cautioned against routes that might operate at a loss. The shift towards electric buses is also expected to accelerate as part of the overall transformation. This procurement marks a significant transition from MSRTC's traditional diesel fleet to more environmentally-friendly alternatives.
The expansion aims to provide relief to millions of students, farmers, workers, women, senior citizens, and other passengers who rely on state transport services, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. The immediate challenge lies in swiftly introducing the new buses to replace aging vehicles and ensure the promised service improvements reach the state's rural and semi-urban routes.
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