India, July 19 -- The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has begun converting its once-premier fleet of 'Shivshahi' buses into regular, semi-luxury, non-air-conditioned buses, citing operational issues and shifting focus towards electrification. In Pune division alone, 74 such buses are being transformed into the format and colour scheme of MSRTC's 'Hirkani' buses.

Arun Siya, divisional controller of MSRTC Pune, confirmed the development, explaining that the decision comes in light of the growing number of electric buses (e-buses) being inducted into the fleet as well as the deteriorating reliability of the Shivshahi buses.

"The conversion work of the Shivshahi buses has already begun in the Pune division. These buses ...