Passengers traveling to Pune via Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses should note a recent fare hike. The state-run transport body has raised fares by around 14%, widening the gap between MSRTC and private bus operator fares.
The Nagpur-Pune route, one of the busiest and most popular travel corridors, now shows a significant fare disparity. MSRTC charges ₹1,860 for a Shivshahi bus, while private operators offer A/C sleeper bus services starting at around Rs 900.
Private buses cover the Nagpur-Pune distance in about 14 hours, while MSRTC’s ordinary buses now charge over double—approximately 110% more—than private A/C sleeper options. The fare disparity is even greater for MSRTC’s premium services, such as Shivneri and Shivai buses.
A similar trend is evident on shorter routes like Chandrapur, Amravati, and Yavatmal, where MSRTC’s ordinary bus fares are now on par with or even higher than private A/C seater and sleeper buses.
The revised fares for all MSRTC services took effect at midnight on January 24, 2025, affecting passengers statewide. Notably, this is not the first fare hike introduced by MSRTC in recent years.
City: Pune
MSRTC Fare: ₹1,860 (Shivshahi)
Private Fare: 2900 (A/C Sleeper)
City: Amravati
MSRTC Fare: 2388 (Shivshahi)
Private Fare: 2230 (A/C Sleeper)
City: Yavatmal
MSRTC Fare: ₹252 (Non A/C seater)
Private Fare: 2250 (A/C seater)
City: Chandrapur
MSRTC Fare: ₹262 (Non A/C seater)
Private Fare: 220 (Non A/C seater)
Source: Red bus and MSRTC Nagpur