MSRTC mandates EV charging points at all new fuel outlets on its land, but green fleet transition lags

“As India moves towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, it is essential to bring a green revolution in the transport sector as well,” Sarnaik said. “The future of travel will be powered by electric energy, and MSRTC is committed to building the necessary infrastructure starting today.”

The initiative aims to create an additional revenue stream for MSRTC while providing accessible charging points for the state’s growing EV user base. Though only one operational fuel station exists under this scheme in Dhule, MSRTC plans to develop such facilities at 100 MSRTC-owned plots across the state.

“These charging stations will be available to all EV commuters,” an MSRTC official said, adding that the corporation was also planning 174 charging stations exclusively for its electric buses at various locations, including Pune.

According to Vahan portal data, Maharashtra has over 5.78 lakh registered EVs, supported by around 4,166 public charging stations.

Fleet conversion gap

The contrast between MSRTC’s infrastructure ambitions and its fleet transition is stark. The corporation had set a target in November 2023 to procure 5,150 electric buses by 2025. With that deadline now past, it operates just 600, barely 12 per cent of its goal.

Meanwhile, Sarnaik said that a phased conversion plan is underway and that priority will be given to electric buses in future procurements.

“It’s a welcome move that MSRTC is promoting the EV sector,” said Rahul Jadhav, a frequent traveller from Wakad. “However, they should revisit their e-bus procurement targets while announcing the new ones.”
The infrastructure push aligns with recent policy support for the EV sector, including the Union budget 2026-27’s exemption of basic customs duty on sodium antimonate exports, which could reduce battery raw material costs.