Maharashtra turns flyover spaces into electric bus charging hubs by 2035

The Maharashtra government is exploring new ways to expand electric bus charging infrastructure. Officials are now looking at unused spaces beneath flyovers to set up charging stations for the state’s growing fleet of electric buses. This move aims to tackle the shortage of land in crowded urban areas. A recent high-level meeting discussed the need for more charging points as the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) transitions to electric buses. The state plans to convert its entire fleet by 2035, aligning with a broader goal to shift most vehicles to electric mobility by 2047.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), and the Public Works Department have been instructed to survey available spaces under flyovers. Many of these areas, particularly in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, remain unused and could serve as charging hubs.

Funding for these stations will come from government sources, self-financing, and public-private partnerships (PPP). MSRTC is already preparing to set up at least 200 charging stations across the state under the PPP model. Using flyover spaces for charging stations could improve the efficiency of electric buses and strengthen public transport in Maharashtra. The initiative also supports the state’s long-term goal of reducing emissions by expanding electric vehicle infrastructure.