Maharashtra’s Urban Commute Crisis: A Call for 24,000 Buses to Meet Growing Demand

Maharashtra:  Maharashtra is grappling with a dire public transport shortfall, with urban areas facing a 24,000-bus deficit. According to a recent report by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) India, the state requires 28,800 buses to meet the mobility needs of 5.6 crore urban residents across its 44 cities. Currently, the fleet stands at 8,700 buses, out of which 3,500 are nearing retirement, leaving only 5,250 operational buses to cater to millions.

Potential Impact of Fleet Expansion

Adding 24,000 buses could eliminate 19 lakh car trips and 30 lakh two-wheeler trips daily, significantly reducing air pollution. The report highlights that this move could cut CO2 emissions by 30,000 tonnes annually, equivalent to planting nearly 5 lakh trees for a decade. Additionally, fleet expansion would create 1.5 lakh jobs in bus operations and improve affordable public transport access for citizens.

Fleet Needs Across Maharashtra

• Tier 1 & Tier 2 Cities: Greater Mumbai needs a fleet of 8,000 buses (currently operating 3,600), while Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad must double their fleet to 4,500 buses.

• Tier 3 & Tier 4 Cities: A drastic expansion is needed, such as in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, where only 90 buses serve a population requiring 1,000 buses.

Challenges in Meeting the Deficit

Efforts under the PM E-Bus Sewa scheme barely scratch the surface, covering less than 10% of the 12,700 buses required. Transport bodies like MSRTC and BEST have set ambitious procurement plans, including 2,650 electric buses in 2025-26, but these alone will not bridge the gap.

A Roadmap for Change

Experts from ITDP India recommend Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to accelerate procurement. An allocation of ₹1,000 crore in this year’s budget could address 20% of the fleet deficit, transforming urban mobility across Maharashtra.

Conclusion

This urgent fleet expansion is not just about mobility—it’s about creating a cleaner, greener, and more liveable Maharashtra. With a strategic approach, Maharashtra can set a benchmark for sustainable public transport in India.