26 May,2026 10:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Under the new plan, each MSRTC depot will be given specific fuel-saving targets. Representational Pic/File
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has announced a major fuel-saving campaign aimed at reducing diesel consumption across its bus depots in Maharashtra, reported the PTI.
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the initiative will include specialised driver training, stricter monitoring of fuel usage, and improved maintenance practices at all depots.
During a review meeting at Mantralaya in Mumbai, the minister noted that MSRTC consumes approximately 10.87 lakh litres of diesel every day, making fuel efficiency a top priority for the transport corporation.
He added that even small improvements in fuel efficiency could result in significant savings at the state level.
Under the new plan, each MSRTC depot will be given specific fuel-saving targets.
Officials estimated that if every depot saves just five litres of diesel per day, the corporation could collectively save around 1,000 litres daily, resulting in savings of nearly Rs 1 lakh per day.
Drivers who demonstrate strong fuel efficiency will be recognised and awarded incentive allowances.
Similarly, depots that exceed their fuel-saving targets will receive monthly awards and financial incentives.
The government believes this will encourage better driving habits and promote competition among depots to reduce fuel consumption.
Drivers whose buses show poor kilometre-per-litre (KPL) performance will undergo counselling and retraining.
The training will focus on fuel-efficient driving techniques such as maintaining steady speeds, proper gear shifting, reducing unnecessary engine idling, and improved braking methods.
The minister also directed officials to strengthen daily vehicle inspections and improve maintenance schedules across depots.
Issues such as incorrect tyre pressure, engine misalignment, oil leakages and brake defects were identified as major causes of fuel wastage.
The officials have been asked to ensure greater accountability at workshop level to reduce technical inefficiencies.
Private bus operators in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Tuesday said that they may have to due to the increase in prices by around 30 per cent diesel price rise.
The move comes in the backdrop of rising fuel prices across the country. Pushkar Luley, joint secretary of the Bus Owners and Travel Agents Welfare Association, highlighting the problems of transporters, said, "The diesel price is hovering around Rs 100 per litre, and the difficulties in getting diesel have forced bus owners to ply fewer buses," reported the PTI.
He further said, "Around 125 buses ply between Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and various other cities in Maharashtra and neighbouring states."
Luley, while highlighting that diesel prices have surged by nearly Rs 7.50 per litre in May amid the West Asia conflict, also added, "We require an average of 300 litres of diesel per day per bus. Though our dealers are fixed, we now need to check the availability of stock. The buses have not stopped plying completely, but we sometimes have to accommodate passengers in other buses if there are empty seats," said Luley, according to the PTI.
"Ticket prices have not yet increased, but looking at the situation, we will have to raise the prices by at least 30 per cent," he added.
Private bus operators will hold a meeting in a day or two and announce a price hike, he said, adding that the government should reduce the taxes on fuel so as to give relief to travellers.
(with PTI inputs)
