MSRTC Converts 132 Buses to CNG in Pune Division Amid Rising Diesel Costs

Pune, 18th July 2024: In response to escalating diesel prices, shortages, and environmental concerns, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has decided to convert its diesel-powered buses to CNG.

In the first phase of this initiative, the MSRTC administration has converted a total of 132 buses to CNG across four depots in the Pune division: Shirur, Rajgurunagar, Baramati, and Saswad.

The Pune division comprises 14 depots, with MSRTC buses serving thousands of passengers daily, essential for education, employment, business, and tourism. Many buses in the MSRTC fleet are ageing, prompting a focus on acquiring new electric buses.

Currently, the older diesel-run buses incur substantial fuel costs due to rising diesel prices, leading to financial challenges for MSRTC. To address this, the conversion of diesel buses to CNG will significantly reduce operating costs. Plans are underway to convert all diesel buses in the Pune division to CNG within the coming year.

The Pune MSRTC division operates over 800 buses, with 700 to 750 buses in active service. Approximately 500 older buses will undergo conversion to CNG. Separate CNG pump installations are being established at Baramati, Shirur, Saswad, and Manchar depots, with completion expected within the next two to three months. These facilities will also offer CNG sales to private vehicles at Saswad and Shirur depots.

Pramod Nehul, Divisional Controller of Pune Division, MSRTC, stated, “Due to the rising cost of diesel and environmental concerns, we are converting all diesel buses to CNG. Currently, 132 buses from four depots have been successfully converted to CNG.”

Breakdown of buses converted by depot:
– Shirur: 50
– Rajgurunagar: 42
– Baramati: 30
– Saswad: 10
– Total: 132