Maharashtra is set to become the first state in India to fully electrify its state-run bus network. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik told the Legislative Council on Monday that the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) plans to transition all 22,000 buses in its fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2037.
Currently, around 800 buses are electric, the minister said, noting that the accelerated target aligns with the national vision of achieving 100% electric mobility in India by 2047, as set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Sarnaik added that plans to purchase 5,000 diesel buses annually for the next five years have been overhauled. Beyond the 8,000 diesel buses already in progress, all future additions to the fleet will be electric, and there are plans to convert existing diesel buses to EVs.
To support this transition, the state government has proposed using solar power to run charging stations, reducing electricity costs and dependence on the traditional power grid.
The Maharashtra EV Policy 2026 also provides incentives for EV adoption, including tax exemptions and toll discounts. Electric vehicles currently enjoy toll waivers on major routes such as the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, the Nagpur–Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg, and the Atal Setu (MTHL). In addition, charging stations are being planned every 25 km on highways, and the government is promoting skill development programs for charging technology.
For comparison, Delhi currently has the largest electric bus fleet in India, with over 4,200 EVs. The Delhi government plans to expand this number to 7,500 by the end of 2026 and 14,000 by 2028.
Maharashtra’s ambitious plan marks a major step toward sustainable public transport and positions the state as a leader in India’s transition to electric mobility.
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