Efforts to Make ST Financially Strong Through Redevelopment of 147 Bus Stations
Mumbai, Aug 2026 : Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed that while developing the land of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation, the state’s lifeline, through the public-private partnership model, the new bus stations and other structures coming up at these locations should not merely be equipped with modern facilities but should also be ‘iconic’, enhance the beauty of the cities and provide facilities to citizens.
Deputy Chief Minister Shinde conducted a detailed review at a meeting held at Sahyadri Guest House regarding the development of ST land under the PPP model. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik was present at the meeting. Shinde said the properties should be utilised appropriately and in a planned manner to provide passengers with modern, safe and quality facilities while also making the ST Corporation financially stronger. ST Corporation Managing Director Madhav Kusekar made a presentation on the occasion.
The ST Corporation transports around 5.5 million passengers every day. The corporation has a fleet of more than 15,500 buses and a large network of bus stations and depots across the state. However, buildings at many bus stations are more than 40 years old, and outdated infrastructure has made it difficult to provide passengers with modern facilities. Therefore, under ‘Maharashtra ST Corporation 2.0’, emphasis is being placed on developing modern, safe and passenger-centric bus stations, Shinde said.
Development of 147 Projects in the First Phase
In the first phase, 147 bus stations and ST properties will be developed under the PPP model. The plan includes developing modern bus ports, passenger facilities, offices, hospitals, cinemas, citizen service centres and other amenities. Solar power facilities, charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and dedicated charging arrangements for ST electric buses will also be established. This will not only provide better facilities to passengers but also help reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.
Land Ownership to Remain with ST
Under this model, ownership of the land belonging to the ST Corporation will remain with the corporation, and the land will not be permanently transferred. It was stated at the meeting that since 100 per cent of the development cost will be borne by the developer, neither the government nor the corporation will have to bear the financial burden of construction. The corporation will receive an upfront premium and regular annual rent from the developer. The PPP process includes transparent e-tendering, fund control through an escrow account, a security deposit and a five-year defect liability period.
Modern Bus Ports
Modern bus ports in Ahmedabad and Vadodara in Gujarat have been studied for the redevelopment of ST bus stations in Maharashtra. Premium bus services, e-ticketing, online reservations, passenger facilities, employee incentives and management practices of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation have also been studied.
Sustainable Revenue Source for ST
Through the 147 projects, the ST Corporation is expected to receive a share from commercial activities. The effort is to create a sustainable source of revenue for the ST Corporation and utilise it for infrastructure development and future initiatives. Development of infrastructure in the surrounding areas is also expected to boost the value of ST properties.
Concept designs for projects in Borivali and Dahivadi in Satara district were also presented on the occasion. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the development of ST properties was being planned not merely as a means of generating commercial revenue, but also to provide modern facilities to passengers, create attractive and high-quality structures for cities and provide sustainable financial strength to the corporation.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Transport Department Sethi, Additional Chief Secretary to the Deputy Chief Minister Asim Kumar Gupta and Principal Secretary Naveen Sona were present on the occasion.
