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Maharashtra restarts 3x2 seating buses under new smart fleet rollout

#Infrastructure News#India#Maharashtra
Last Updated : 27th Mar, 2026
Synopsis

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation has reintroduced 3x2 seating buses after nearly two decades, marking a shift in its fleet strategy to improve capacity and manage high passenger demand. The new Rajmata Jijau smart bus service was launched earlier this week by Devendra Fadnavis at the state legislature complex, in the presence of Eknath Shinde, Sunetra Pawar and Pratap Sarnaik. With modern safety features and a phased induction plan of around 3,000 buses, the initiative is expected to enhance connectivity, especially on high-density intercity routes.

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation has reintroduced buses with a 3x2 seating configuration into its fleet after nearly two decades, according to officials. The move comes as part of efforts to improve passenger capacity while maintaining operational efficiency across routes with heavy demand.


The newly introduced buses offer a total seating capacity of 56, which is higher than conventional models. Officials stated that the design has been adopted to better manage crowded routes and improve overall travel convenience for commuters.

The Rajmata Jijau smart bus service was launched earlier this week at the state legislature complex by Devendra Fadnavis. The event was attended by Eknath Shinde, Sunetra Pawar, Pratap Sarnaik, along with other officials associated with the transport department. During the event, the chief minister and other dignitaries also took a short ride in one of the newly introduced buses, which was decorated for the occasion.

As per the corporation's release, nearly 3,000 buses under the Rajmata Jijau brand will be added in phases across the state. These buses are expected to strengthen public transport services, particularly on intercity and high-demand corridors where passenger volume remains consistently high. The first batch of 50 buses is planned to be deployed in Nagpur to begin operations.

The buses are equipped with several modern amenities and safety features. These include CCTV cameras, GPS-based tracking systems, panic buttons for emergency situations, public announcement systems, and electronic destination display boards. Officials noted that these additions are intended to improve both passenger safety and travel experience.

The 3x2 seating layout had been discontinued around 20 years ago when the corporation shifted to 2x2 Parivartan buses as part of fleet modernisation. The earlier 2x2 configuration gained popularity due to increased comfort, wider seating space, and better aisle movement, particularly on urban routes. However, passengers on crowded rural and semi-urban routes often faced limitations due to lower seating capacity.

The newly introduced 3x2 buses are expected to function mainly as shuttle services on busy intercity routes. Their higher seating capacity is aimed at reducing congestion and improving turnaround times on routes with high passenger traffic. The naming of the service after Jijabai is intended as a tribute to Jijabai, who is widely regarded as a key influence behind the formation of Hindavi Swarajya and the legacy of Maratha rule.

Source PTI



FAQ

Q1: What new initiative has been introduced by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC)?

MSRTC has reintroduced buses with a 3x2 seating configuration under a new Rajmata Jijau smart bus service, aiming to increase passenger capacity and improve efficiency on high-demand routes.

Q2: Why has MSRTC brought back the 3x2 seating buses?

The 3x2 seating layout has been reintroduced to handle high passenger demand and crowded routes more effectively by offering greater seating capacity compared to conventional 2x2 buses.

Q3: What is the seating capacity of the new buses?

The newly introduced buses have a seating capacity of 56 passengers, which is higher than standard models and helps accommodate more commuters on busy routes.

Q4: Who launched the Rajmata Jijau smart bus service?

The service was launched by Devendra Fadnavis at the state legislature complex, in the presence of Eknath Shinde, Sunetra Pawar, Pratap Sarnaik, and other officials from the transport department.

Q5: How many buses are planned under this new fleet rollout?

Around 3,000 buses are planned to be introduced in phases across Maharashtra under the Rajmata Jijau smart bus initiative, with an initial batch deployed in Nagpur.

Q6: What modern features are included in these buses?

The buses are equipped with CCTV cameras, GPS tracking, panic buttons for emergencies, public announcement systems, and electronic destination display boards to enhance safety and passenger convenience.

Q7: Where are these buses expected to be used primarily?

These buses are mainly intended for intercity and high-demand routes, where passenger volume is high, helping reduce congestion and improve travel efficiency on busy corridors.

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