India, Feb. 24 -- Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) Pune is facing a shortage of 400 buses in its existing fleet even as the number of passengers has risen to 1.50 lakh from an average of 70,000 resulting in several commuting challenges. From 1,100 buses before the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of buses in the MSRTC Pune fleet has fallen to 730. Despite two meetings held by the state cabinet minister of transport, the issue of bus shortage has not been able to be sorted out.

According to commuters, the MSRTC buses currently operational on various routes have developed a number of technical snags, putting serious question marks over their functionality and efficacy. According to MSRTC officials, Pune has 14 subdivisions...