Maharashtra: EV charging stations to be mandatory at MSRTC fuel outlets, says state Transport Minister Sarnaik

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.

“EV charging stations will be made mandatory alongside diesel and CNG facilities at fuel pumps to be established on MSRTC land through the public-private partnership (PPP) model. This approach will not only create a steady source of revenue for MSRTC but will also ensure the availability of both conventional fuel and electric charging facilities at a single location,” he said, reported PTI. 

Sarnaik added that the availability of both conventional fuel and electric charging facilities at a single location would give a major boost to the future transport system.

“This is not just a matter of convenience, but a visionary step towards environmental protection,” the minister said.

Immediate suspension for drunk on-duty drivers, says Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik

Pratap Sarnaik last week directed officials to immediately suspend drivers and other employees found consuming alcohol while on duty, warning that no compromise would be tolerated on passenger safety.

The directive came during a surprise inspection of the Parel bus depot in Mumbai, where the minister visited restrooms used by drivers and conductors. Officials reportedly found empty liquor bottles at several locations, while some staff members were allegedly under the influence of alcohol. A visibly upset Sarnaik reprimanded senior officials present at the depot over the lapse.

“Providing proper facilities at restrooms for drivers and conductors posted away from their hometowns is a priority for the government. However, alcohol consumption at such places is not merely indiscipline but a serious offence that directly endangers passengers’ lives,” Sarnaik said.

(With PTI inputs)