MSRTC's Lalpari buses to go fully electric by 2037, conversion of old buses from 2027
The ST corporation will start converting old buses to electric from 2027 to end its dependence on diesel, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said.
The 'Lalpari' of the ST, often called Maharashtra's lifeline, is preparing to appear in a new form. At the recent 312th board of directors meeting of the ST corporation, it was announced that the work of converting old buses into electric buses will begin from 2027. The aim is to end dependence on diesel completely.
The ST's fleet of 14,000 buses currently includes 1,100 e-buses. Transport Minister and ST corporation chairman Pratap Sarnaik said diesel buses are considered to have a life of about 15 years. In view of this, 5,000 old buses will be scrapped in phases, while some buses will be converted to electric. The number of electric buses will then be increased gradually.
From 2027, a drive will begin to convert, in phases, old buses that have run for seven to eight years into electric ones. New e-buses will also be bought in large numbers according to passenger needs.
Diesel buses last about 15 years, while e-buses run for around 20 years, so electric buses can be used for longer. Reduced dependence on diesel is also expected to save on fuel costs.
The process of setting up charging stations, power infrastructure and technical systems for the growing number of e-buses has begun. Purchase of e-buses and charging facilities will be planned depot by depot and taken up together. Preparation of the charging infrastructure is moving quickly from depot to depot, and by 2037 the beloved 'Lalpari' will be seen on the road as a fully pollution-free 'E-Lalpari'.
Sarnaik said, "The ST is a public service that connects every village in Maharashtra. While modernising it, responsibility towards the environment is also important. Our resolve is to reduce dependence on diesel and build a clean, green and modern public transport system. Work is under way as planned to make 100 per cent of the ST fleet electric by 2037."
He expressed confidence that "the Lalpari that runs in every corner of Maharashtra will become the 'E-Lalpari' of a green Maharashtra in the future. The ST's journey is heading towards building the country's model of environment-friendly public transport in Maharashtra."
