Pune: Delay in procurement of buses has forced MSRTC to revise its scrapping policy and keep its ageing fleet on the road, triggering more than 60,000 breakdowns annually since the 2022–23 fiscal.The crumbling state of the fleet has already caused nearly 25,000 snags up to July this fiscal, with a source in the transport utility warning that the total count will easily breach the 60,000 mark by March next year.“More than 5,000 buses have crossed their standard operational lifespan of 12 to 13 years. Delays in procuring new buses have forced Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) to allow vehicles to operate beyond 15 years. Breakdowns are, therefore, inevitable,” a senior MSRTC official said.The official noted that while comparative data was unavailable, MSRTC’s breakdown count was likely among the highest reported by state transport undertakings in the country.For commuters, these frequent breakdowns involving ageing buses make journeys increasingly uncomfortable and, at times, frightening. “MSRTC bus rides are getting scarier. Recently, I read about a wheel coming off an MSRTC bus in Gadchiroli. In another incident, the front door of a bus detached at a depot in Palghar. A breakdown extended a friend’s journey to Solapur by more than two hours a couple of months ago. I frequently travel to Mumbai by MSRTC buses, but I think I will opt for private operators now,” said Sudhir Kande, a bank employee from Kothrud.Concerns over the condition of the vehicles grew after the rear portion of a bus operating between Ladai and Nagpur reportedly collapsed while parked at a bus stand on Aug 23. Fortunately, no passengers were on board at the time.“During the monsoon and heavy showers, several buses either break down or force passengers to travel under leaking roofs. MSRTC officials and the minister seem to only make big announcements. On the ground, there is little change,” said frequent commuter Pankaj Lohe, a private-sector employee.Last Sunday, state transport minister and MSRTC chairperson Pratap Sarnaik announced that the procurement of 5,000 Lalpari buses had been finalised. He stated that the new buses would ease pressure on the existing fleet. Sarnaik told TOI on Tuesday that these 5,000 buses would be inducted in phases over the next six months, after which the old buses would be scrapped. “We need to scrap around 5,000 buses at present. Once this is done, breakdowns will definitely come down. We are also working on concrete maintenance plans,” he said.MSRTC’s fleet size, which once comprised over 16,000 buses, has now dipped to around 14,700. “Enough of big announcements. We need to see real change on the ground. The change should start from Swargate bus station, which is still in a shambles,” said another frequent commuter.
