MSRTC has completed the tender process to procure 5,000 new ‘Lalpari’ buses, according to Transport Minister and MSRTC chairman Pratap Sarnaik. The move is intended to address a shortage of buses and reduce reliance on vehicles that are about 12 to 14 years old. Sarnaik says the new buses are expected to improve reliability and reduce breakdowns, strengthening services on routes in rural areas.
Outlets describe the procurement as part of a broader fleet-modernisation effort. Sarnaik is reported as saying that Tata Motors has emerged as the lowest bidder and that bus quality will not be compromised. He also notes that more than 5,000 buses are expected to be due for retirement and scrapping in the next six months, making timely induction important.
The reporting places the ‘Lalpari’ purchase alongside other bus additions, including about 2,640 already inducted and the ongoing induction of 3,000 ‘Rajmata Jijau’ buses. MSRTC also discusses moving toward a “bus on demand” model and an eventual shift from diesel toward environment-friendly electric buses, though the immediate focus is on replacing ageing vehicles and improving service availability.
