The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) Pune division has announced the closure of unprofitable bus routes and the addition of 150 new buses to its fleet by the end of this year. This move comes in response to mounting operational losses and follows a white paper on MSRTC operations presented by Maharashtra Transport Minister.
The report highlighted the urgent need for structural reforms to eliminate inefficiencies, with a focus on optimizing routes and modernizing the fleet. Currently managing 14 depots and 42 bus stations across Pune city and district, the MSRTC division operates a fleet of approximately 850 buses, including 64 electric ‘Shivai’ buses, 36 Volvo ‘Shivshahi’ luxury coaches, and over 200 CNG buses. As part of the revamp, routes that have consistently recorded poor occupancy and revenue will be discontinued. Instead, resources will be reallocated to long-distance and high-demand corridors, where the addition of new CNG and electric buses is expected to improve both service quality and financial returns.
Officials confirmed that 70 new buses have already been deployed for long-haul services from key depots, and the remaining vehicles will be inducted in phases over the coming months. This restructuring is not just about expanding the fleet; it also involves an operational reset that includes a revised timetable and staff optimization. The timetable is being redesigned to prioritize high-traffic routes, reduce idle time, and minimize costs associated with driver-conductor wages, fuel, and vehicle maintenance. The aim is to enhance efficiency while ensuring that services are reliable and better aligned with commuter demand.
According to MSRTC officials, shutting down non-viable routes is a necessary step to stop financial bleeding. “Loss-making routes are being identified and will be shut down. We are focusing on long-distance and revenue-generating routes by deploying more efficient CNG and electric buses,” he said. He added that the revamp is expected to significantly reduce the operational burden and improve public service delivery.
The restructuring is also expected to boost the monthly revenue of key depots. Swargate and Shivajinagar depots, two of the busiest in the division, currently generate around ₹55 crore in monthly revenue. With the introduction of new buses and optimized operations, the revenue target has been set at ₹65 crore. This marks a strategic shift from simply running maximum routes to running only those that generate measurable value, both in terms of ridership and returns.
The addition of newer, greener buses also aligns with Maharashtra’s broader push toward sustainable transport. The electric ‘Shivai’ and CNG-powered buses will gradually replace aging diesel-run models, helping to reduce emissions and improve the city’s air quality. These vehicles are not only more environmentally friendly but also quieter, smoother, and more cost-effective to maintain over time. Public response to these newer models has been largely positive, with passengers noting improvements in ride quality and overall cleanliness.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding this overhaul, officials acknowledge that challenges remain. Phasing out old buses without disrupting service, ensuring timely delivery and deployment of new vehicles, and managing workforce transitions are all complex tasks that will require careful execution. Moreover, there are concerns about rural and low-frequency routes being cut off, which could affect accessibility in underserved areas. Balancing profitability with the transport needs of all population segments will be a delicate task for MSRTC moving forward.
Nonetheless, authorities are optimistic. A senior official from the transport department emphasized that this is not merely a cost-cutting drive but a long-overdue modernization effort. “We are trying to make MSRTC responsive to commuter needs and financially viable at the same time. It’s about smarter planning, greener mobility, and better service delivery,” the official said.
The complete effect of these changes will become more visible by early 2026 when the new buses are fully operational and revised routes are running at scale. Until then, Pune commuters can expect to see gradual but visible improvements in the quality, frequency, and efficiency of MSRTC services.
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Pune to Get 150 New Buses as MSRTC Shuts Down Loss Making Routes to Cut Losses