The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has decided to become financially independent by building solar power projects across the state. The initiative aims to generate around 300 MW of electricity every year by installing solar panels on open spaces, rooftops of workshops, and bus stations.
MSRTC chairman Pratap Sarnaik said, “We have prepared a roadmap to generate electricity worth ₹1,000 crore per year.” Currently, the corporation uses about 15 MW of electricity annually for its daily operations, costing ₹25–30 crore. But with thousands of electric buses coming in the future, the demand is expected to rise to 300 MW.
“If we generate this power through solar energy, MSRTC could save nearly ₹1,000 crore every year,” an official explained. “These savings can later become a new source of income for the corporation.”
Under this ambitious ‘Solar Energy Project’, MSRTC plans to use its unused land for “solar energy farming” and will also explore installing solar systems on government-owned barren land after getting necessary permissions. The project will also benefit from various central and state government subsidies.
Sarnaik said the initiative will make MSRTC self-sufficient and less dependent on government funds. “This solar energy hub will set an example for the entire state,” he added.
Experts say that apart from charging electric buses, solar energy can also be used to run lights, display boards, and Wi-Fi at bus stations, which will help save money and make transport more eco-friendly.
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