NAGPUR, Dec. 11 -- The state government will purchase 8,000 new buses for the state-run Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) over the next year, transport minister Pratap Sarnaik informed the Legislative Council on Wednesday. Tenders for 3,000 buses have already been floated, and purchase orders issued to Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland. He added that 25,000 diesel-run buses will be converted into electric vehicles (EV) by 2029 in a phased manner. Responding to a question raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Sachin Ahir and others, Sarnaik said MSRTC has prepared a plan to modernise its 216 bus depots across the state through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The move aims to upgrade infrastructure and generate additional revenue by commercially utilising available spaces to reduce the corporation's mounting liabilities of Rs.4,400 crore and bring MSRTC "out of the red in the next few months". He also assured the House that the commitment to revamp the transport body will ensure MSRTC employees receive their salaries before the 10th of every month. Members of the Opposition raised concerns over the corporation's deteriorating finances, arrears and the hardships faced by employees. The House was reminded that non-payment of dues two years ago had pushed nearly 100 employees to die by suicide. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab questioned the feasibility of the revamp plan, pointing to MSRTC's monthly salary burden of Rs.600 crore and pending dues. He warned that delays in disbursing retirement benefits could invite legal action against the corporation's managing director....