Pune: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has announced the conversion of its diesel-powered ST buses to CNG due to escalating diesel prices, shortages, and environmental concerns.
In the initial phase, 132 buses from the Shirur, Rajgurunagar, Baramati, and Saswad depots in the Pune division have been converted to CNG, according to ST administration officials.
The Pune division, comprising 14 depots, caters to thousands of daily commuters relying on ST buses for education, work, business, and tourism, effectively serving as a lifeline for many.
With a significant portion of the ST fleet aging, the corporation is prioritizing the acquisition of new electric buses. However, the older buses, still running on diesel, are incurring high fuel costs, leading to financial strains.
As a sustainable alternative, these diesel buses are now being converted to CNG, a move expected to be beneficial for the corporation. All diesel buses in the Pune division are projected to be converted to CNG within a year.
To support this transition, the Pune ST division is setting up independent CNG pumps at the Baramati, Shirur, Saswad, and Manchar depots, a project slated for completion within the next two to three months. Additionally, CNG facilities will be available for private vehicles at the Saswad and Shirur depots.
Division Controller Pramod Nehul highlighted that the conversion to CNG is driven by rising diesel prices and pollution concerns, with 132 buses already converted in the first phase.
Depot-wise Conversion Statistics:
Shirur: 50 buses
Rajgurunagar: 42 buses
Baramati: 30 buses
Saswad: 10 buses
Total: 132 buses