MSRTC will open public fuel stations in Maharashtra to boost revenue: Minister Pratap Sarnaik

Indian Express

5 days ago

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has announced plans to open petrol and diesel pumps at its depots across the state for public use, aimed at generating extra revenue for the financially strained public transport system.
Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik stated on Friday that these retail outlets will be set up in partnership with central public sector firms such as Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum.
'The decision to launch these fuel stations was taken because the income from passenger ticket sales alone is not sufficient to sustain our operations. Our goal is to find new sources of revenue to finance MSRTC's stability,' he said.
Currently, MSRTC purchases fuel from Indian Oil and Bharat Petroleum and provides diesel only for its buses from 251 pumps located on its property. The Corporation plans to convert such outlets and expand its services to cater to private vehicles as well.
Under the proposed scheme, fuel stations will be set up at commercial buildings on MSRTC-owned land of 750 square metres, the minister said. In addition to fuel pumps, retail outlets can be installed to provide room for small businesses, which can also fetch additional income to MSRTC, he added.
MSRTC has experience in running pumps and fuel supply, which the officials believe will facilitate this transition. Surveys are currently being conducted on MSRTC-owned plots to identify suitable sites for setting up commercial fuel stations. These stations, once removed from their current utilisation for bus fleets, will be reconfigured to sell fuel to the public as well, Sarnaik mentioned.
The state government and MSRTC are actively working on official commercial partnership agreements with the central oil companies, which, according to Minister Sarnik, would enhance transparency as the agreement will involve the Central and State Governments. 'This initiative is not only a revenue-enhancing measure, but also a model of collaboration between state and central agencies, yielding public advantage,' Sarnaik added.
The plan also involves transforming these new areas into 'petro-motel hubs,' providing room for fuel sales, simple retail, and facilities for MSRTC's internal operational purposes.