Mumbai’s transport landscape is set for a revolutionary shift as Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced in the legislative council that the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will transition its entire fleet of 22,000 buses to electric vehicles by 2037. This bold commitment positions Maharashtra as India’s pioneering state to fully electrify its public bus network.
Currently, around 800 buses in the fleet are electric, marking the initial steps toward this ambitious goal. The vision, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, aligns with the national aspiration for complete electric mobility by 2047. Sarnaik highlighted that while earlier plans included procuring 5,000 diesel buses annually for the next five years, the strategy has been overhauled to prioritize electric vehicles exclusively for future additions.
The existing 8,000 operational diesel buses will continue service, but all new buses will be electric. A comprehensive plan is underway to convert diesel buses to electric models, ensuring a seamless phase-out. To support this green initiative, the government is proposing solar-powered charging stations, reducing reliance on the traditional power grid and promoting environmental sustainability.
Under the state’s EV Policy 2026, incentives such as tax exemptions and toll waivers are boosting EV adoption. Electric vehicles enjoy full toll exemptions on key routes like the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg, and Atal Setu. The state is also developing charging infrastructure every 25 kilometers along highways and supporting educational programs in EV charging technology.
For context, Delhi currently leads with over 4,200 electric buses, aiming to expand to 7,500 by late 2026 and 14,000 by 2028. Maharashtra’s proactive stance not only sets a national benchmark but also promises cleaner air, cost savings, and a sustainable future for public transport in the state.