Maharashtra State Transport (ST) Corporation is set to strengthen its fleet with the induction of approximately 3500 new buses in 2025, announced ST Chairman and Minister Bharat Gogawale during a press conference in Nagpur. The initiative aims to enhance the quality and reliability of passenger services across the state.

Currently, the ST fleet comprises 14,000 buses, a significant decline from the 18,000 buses it had in 2018, and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past few years, the lack of new bus purchases has led to an increase in breakdowns due to aging vehicles, causing inconvenience to passengers.

To address this, the corporation plans to procure 2200 buses for its own fleet and lease an additional 1300 buses. These new additions will begin joining the fleet from January 2025. Minister Gogawale expressed confidence that this move would reduce instances of breakdowns and long wait times, providing relief to passengers in the New Year.

Additionally, the minister revealed plans to upgrade bus stations across Maharashtra in a phased manner. Some stations will be developed using government funds, while others will involve private developers through build-operate-transfer (BOT) agreements. He highlighted the ongoing concretization of 183 bus station premises, a project initiated by then-Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

One of the notable projects is the Ganesh Peth bus station in Nagpur, which is nearing completion. Minister Gogawale expressed pride in its transformation, stating that it would soon stand out as one of the most beautiful bus stations in Vidarbha.

Present at the event were ST Corporation Vice Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Madhav Kusekar, along with heads of various departments, emphasizing the corporation's commitment to improving public transport infrastructure in Maharashtra.