Nagpur, 10 Dec (HS): The Maharashtra Government plans

to buy 8,000 new buses for the State Transport, 3,000 in the first phase and

5,000 in the next phase. Minister of Road Transport Pratap Sarnaik informed the

Legislative Council while replying to a starred question by Sachin Ahir. In the next five years 25,000 buses will be purchased

by the state government, he added.

Sarnaik said that the State Transport is essentially

to facilitate transport in rural areas and not to earn profit. The tender

process for purchase of 3,000 buses has been completed and is in process for

buying 5,000 buses. The decision was taken realising the need for better

transport facilities in rural areas. The State Government is firmly standing

with the State Transport employees and funds for improving the services will

not be a problem.

Replying to a supplementary, Sarnaik said Rs 4,190 crore

due to the MSRTC are being paid. The balance will be released in next six to

eight months.

The land near bus depots are being developed for

commercial use through PPP (Public-Private Participation) method for increasing

earnings of the State Transport Corporation. The diesel buses will be gradually

replaced by e-buses, he added.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar