Maharashtra Govt Rolls Out 8,300 New Buses as MSRTC Aims for Financial Recovery and Wider Connectivity

Maharashtra government approves 8,300 new MSRTC buses in 2026 to cut daily losses, strengthen public transport and serve up to 75 lakh commuters daily

Mumbai |20 February, 2026- In a significant move to strengthen public transport and revive the financially strained Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), the Maharashtra government has approved the addition of 8,300 new buses this year. The fleet expansion aims to improve city and regional connectivity while addressing the financial challenges that have plagued the corporation for years. MSRTC has been operating at a daily loss of ₹1–1.5 crore, with expenses averaging ₹34–35 crore per day against a revenue of roughly ₹33 crore. This deficit has affected service quality and delayed modernization efforts. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik highlighted that the new buses are part of a long-term strategy to make MSRTC financially sustainable and improve passenger experience, stating, “By the end of this year, MSRTC will emerge stronger, providing efficient services and modern buses to commuters across Maharashtra.”

The first phase of the fleet expansion includes 3,000 semi-luxury 3×2 seating buses with 55 seats, named Rajmata Jijau Saheb, which are targeted at high-density city routes and are expected to start operating in March. In addition, 5,000 standard buses are in the final stages of procurement to expand both city and regional services, while 100 midi buses will serve remote and tribal areas, ensuring better accessibility for underserved regions. Furthermore, 200 modern buses are planned to compete with private operators, offering improved comfort and amenities. Once fully operational, the new fleet is projected to carry 70–75 lakh passengers daily, significantly enhancing revenue streams and offering a reliable alternative to private transport.

Experts have welcomed the move, noting its potential to transform public transport across Maharashtra. Urban transport analyst Ramesh Deshmukh observed, “This expansion is transformative for MSRTC. It not only improves connectivity and accessibility but also strengthens the corporation’s financial viability, enabling it to compete effectively with private operators in cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.” The government’s focus on semi-luxury and modern buses is aimed at attracting middle-class commuters, while the inclusion of buses for remote regions ensures that smaller towns and tribal areas gain better connectivity, promoting regional economic growth.

MSRTC’s long-term vision includes acquiring 20,000–25,000 buses over the next few years, with the current rollout serving as the foundation for this modernization plan. Analysts predict that the new buses will reduce overcrowding, shorten waiting times, and provide enhanced amenities for passengers, while also improving the corporation’s financial performance. By addressing both operational and financial challenges, the initiative is expected to stabilize MSRTC and encourage greater use of public transport, ultimately supporting Maharashtra’s broader goals of sustainable and efficient mobility.

In conclusion, the Maharashtra government’s decision to deploy 8,300 new buses represents a decisive step toward modernizing public transport while tackling long-standing financial issues. This move promises improved passenger experience, better connectivity across the state, and a stronger, more resilient MSRTC capable of meeting the growing demands of urban and rural commuters alike.

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