Pune: MSRTC to Scrap 72 Defunct Shivshahi, Shivneri Buses; Auction Set for March 21
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) announced on 13th March 2025 that it will scrap 72 non-functional Shivshahi and Shivneri buses in Pune, with an auction scheduled for 21st March via the Metal Scrap Trade Corporation (MSTC).
The move aims to address security concerns and logistical challenges at Swargate Bus Depot, following a directive by State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik to scrap all defunct buses statewide by 15th April.
The buses, idle for over a year, have occupied critical space at the Swargate Depot and the MSRTC’s Shankarsheth Road divisional office, hindering parking and expansion plans for eco-friendly Shivai electric buses. MSRTC estimates the auction could fetch ₹2.5–3 crore, with buyers bidding for entire buses or components like seats, engines, tires, and electrical systems. The highest bidder must remove and scrap the buses within a stipulated period.
This initiative follows the 2024 scrapping of 240 buses, which generated ₹8.5 crore. MSRTC aims to free up depot space, curb theft risks, and bolster public transport infrastructure. The auction will be conducted on the MSTC portal.
