Pune: Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) drivers who demonstrate fuel-efficient driving will receive special incentives and recognition, state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik announced on Tuesday. With fuel prices rising continuously over the past 12 days, Sarnaik, who also chairs MSRTC, stated that instructions have been issued to all divisional controllers and depot managers to set depot-specific diesel conservation targets immediately. Depots will be required to regularly analyze bus fuel consumption and implement corrective measures to achieve these savings.
Diesel in Pune is currently priced at Rs 98.15 per litre. A majority of MSRTC buses still run on diesel, as the corporation has lagged behind in the phased introduction of electric buses. Of the transport body's fleet of approximately 16,000 buses, only 738 are electric. Officials said 2,300 more e-buses are expected to join the fleet by the end of 2026-27.
MSRTC officials had earlier indicated that a fare hike was being considered due to rising diesel prices. “The proposal is still under consideration and will be sent to the state transport authority. If fuel prices continue to rise, a fare hike may become inevitable,” an MSRTC official said.
Sarnaik emphasized that drivers could play a crucial role in reducing fuel costs. “An ST driver is not merely a vehicle operator but also a key contributor to the corporation’s financial health. A skilled and responsible driver can help save lakhs of rupees for the organization,” he said. He added that depots surpassing their diesel-saving targets would receive special monthly awards and financial incentives.
MSRTC currently consumes an average of 10.87 lakh litres of diesel every day, making fuel conservation a pressing necessity. “If every ST depot saves even five litres of diesel daily, the statewide saving could exceed 1,000 litres a day. At current diesel prices, that would translate into savings of nearly Rs 1 lakh daily,” Sarnaik said.
Drivers whose buses record poor kilometres per litre (KPL) figures due to inefficient driving practices will undergo counseling and retraining. The specialized training program will focus on speed regulation, optimum gear usage, minimizing unnecessary engine idling, and better braking techniques. The minister also said depots had been instructed to strengthen daily technical inspections, ensure timely repairs, and closely monitor engine efficiency. “Fuel wastage is often linked to poor tyre pressure, improper engine tuning, oil leaks, and braking system defects,” he said.
