WionDrive News Desk 
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has received a significant financial boost from the state government, with a sanctioned amount of Rs 40 crore allocated for the conversion, infrastructure development, and maintenance of vehicles to be operated on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as an alternative fuel. This ambitious project aims to transform approximately 5,000 diesel buses in the MSRTC fleet into LNG-powered vehicles.
An MSRTC spokesperson, speaking to the Times of India on Sunday, confirmed that the government has issued a Government Resolution (GR) to allocate the necessary funds. The spokesperson elaborated on the plans, stating, “The government has provided funds for two LNG buses and for establishing infrastructure at depots for refilling stations and securing the LNG supply. We plan to have the first LNG refuelling outlet at a depot near the Maharashtra-Gujarat border as we are currently obtaining the supply from a Gujarat port. We will progressively set up more outlets for other buses at depots across the state.”
The shift to LNG-powered vehicles is motivated by environmental concerns and operational efficiency. LNG vehicles boast significantly lower emissions compared to their diesel counterparts, with 30 per cent less CO2 emissions and a remarkable 90 per cent reduction in particulate matter (PM) emissions. The transition to LNG can be achieved through a gradual retrofitting process of existing diesel vehicles. One of the key advantages of LNG is its extended driving range, allowing for 600-1000 kilometres on a single fill. This gives LNG an edge over the more commonly known alternative, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
In addition to the LNG initiative, MSRTC is also expanding its conventional fleet to meet the growing demand from its daily commuter base of 54 lakh passengers. Work orders have recently been issued for the procurement of 2,475 new diesel buses. These vehicles are expected to join the fleet within the next three months, according to sources within MSRTC.
However, some stakeholders believe that even this expansion may not be sufficient to meet the increasing demand. Shrirang Barge, the general secretary of Maharashtra ST Karmachari Congress, expressed this concern, stating, “We cannot be complacent with around 2,500 new diesel buses as there is an urgent need for 2,000 additional buses to accommodate the increasing demand, and the fleet size should exceed 20,000 across Maharashtra.”
This multi-faceted approach by MSRTC, combining the adoption of cleaner fuel technology with fleet expansion, demonstrates the corporation’s commitment to improving its services while also addressing environmental concerns. The LNG conversion project, in particular, represents a significant step towards reducing the environmental impact of public transportation in Maharashtra.
The gradual implementation of LNG infrastructure across the state will be a crucial factor in the success of this initiative. Starting with the border area near Gujarat for logistical reasons, MSRTC plans to systematically expand the LNG refuelling network to support the converted fleet across Maharashtra.
As this project unfolds, it will be interesting to observe how it impacts the operational efficiency of MSRTC, the experience of commuters, and the environmental footprint of public transportation in the state. The success of this initiative could potentially serve as a model for other state transport corporations looking to balance operational needs with environmental responsibilities.
