At a time when Nagpur is reeling under intensifying summer heat, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has begun phasing out its air-conditioned Shivshahi buses in the division. These buses are being replaced with non-AC Hirkani buses, leaving commuters struggling in sweltering conditions.
The move, part of a statewide exercise launched in July last year, comes even as temperatures continue to rise, making air-conditioned travel less of a luxury and more of a necessity for many daily passengers. With Shivshahi services gradually disappearing and the procurement of new electric buses progressing slowly, commuters are now forced to endure long journeys in overcrowded, non-AC buses, especially during peak afternoon hours.
What is actually happening?
As informed to The Hitavada by a senior MSRTC official, a total of 35 Shivshahi buses were operating in the Nagpur division. Of these, eight have been transferred to Wardha, while 15 out of the remaining 27 have already been converted into Hirkani buses. The remaining 14 are expected to be converted within the next month. Officials said buses are taken up for conversion after completing 8 lakh kilometres of service.
Introduced in 2017, Shivshahi buses were once considered a comfortable and affordable AC travel option. However, frequent breakdowns and rising maintenance costs gradually reduced their efficiency. The 2024 Bhandara accident, in which more than 11 passengers lost their lives and 34 were injured, further hastened the decision to phase out the fleet.
Commuters express displeasure
While MSRTC maintains that Hirkani buses are more reliable and economical, the timing of the transition has drawn criticism from passengers.
Suraj Gundkar, a frequent commuter, expressed his displeasure, saying, “I used to travel in Shivshahi as the ticket farewas affordable and the air-conditioner gave com-fort in summer. Now there are fewer AC buses on my route and the buses are always packed.”
Malini Gawande, another regular commuter, said, “The shortage of AC buses will cause more problems nowas the summer has just started. I do not want to get a heat-stroke.”
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