08 February,2026 03:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pratap Sarnaik said the buses have been named after Rajmata Jijau.
Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is set to introduce new buses.
The 3-by-2 seating arrangement ensures passengers no longer have to travel standing on crowded routes.
Transport Minister and ST Chairman Pratap Sarnaik said the buses have been named after Rajmata Jijau, the mother of Hindavi Swarajya.
The saffron-and-white buses will gradually hit roads across the state from March, serving as moving symbols of Maharashtra's pride and tradition.
Sarnaik said, "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a revered figure in Maharashtra, and the inspiration behind his Swarajya vision comes from Rajmata Jijau. These buses honour her legacy." He noted that ST has previously named buses Shivneri, Shivshahi, Shivai, Yashwanti, and Hirkani.
New MSRTC bus fleet 3/2 seats arrangement with 55 seater.
"The name âRajmata Jijau' is more than a label; it reflects Maharashtra's values, maternal inspiration, and our commitment to passenger comfort," Sarnaik added. Equipped with modern amenities and decorated with historical motifs, the buses are expected to redefine travel on the state's roads.
Soon, Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations will be made mandatory at MSRTC fuel outlets in the state, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said, earlier in January.
The Maharashtra minister asked officials to give priority to setting up EV charging stations at all proposed retail fuel outlets on MSRTC land in the state.
According to the PTI, he said a phased shift to electric buses is already in progress. The directions were issued during a high-level meeting chaired by the minister, who also heads the MSRTC.
Senior officials and representatives of various fuel companies attended the meeting, according to an official release.
Sarnaik said India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047 must be supported by a sustainable and eco-friendly transport system.
"Future travel will be based on electric energy, and the ST Corporation is committed to building the required infrastructure from today itself," he said, reported PTI.
Acknowledging that nearly 90 per cent of the existing ST fleet currently runs on diesel, Sarnaik said a phased transition to electric buses is underway and that e-buses will be prioritised in future procurements.
