Pune: In response to the growing demand for electric buses, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is expanding its charging infrastructure across Maharashtra, with Pune being a key focus.
The Swargate depot, one of the busiest in Pune, will soon be equipped with 50 new charging points to accommodate the increasing number of electric buses, including those arriving from other cities.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize the MSRTC fleet and reduce reliance on diesel-powered buses, thereby cutting fuel costs and promoting environmental sustainability.
The new charging points at Swargate will support the daily charging of 422 buses. Across Pune’s major depots, including Shivajinagar and Swargate, approximately 500 electric buses are charged daily, ensuring smooth operations for both long-distance and intra-city routes. E-buses, such as the e-Shivneri and Shivai, will benefit from these expanded charging facilities.
As more electric buses are added to the MSRTC fleet every month, the need for additional charging infrastructure is growing. The MSRTC has taken proactive steps to meet these future needs by installing high-voltage power connections at depots. This will facilitate faster and more efficient charging, particularly for buses rented by the MSRTC.
The MSRTC is also prioritizing the establishment of charging stations along major highways. As the number of electric buses increases, diesel-powered buses like the "Lal Pari" will be gradually replaced for longer journeys, with electric buses becoming the primary option.
MSRTC has started setting up 50 charging points along highways, which will have the capacity to charge 500 buses daily. The work is progressing, and the project is expected to be completed soon.
Pramod Nehul, the Divisional Controller, emphasized the importance of this expansion, noting that the high-voltage power connections and additional charging points will help manage the growing fleet of electric buses efficiently.
