Thane Transport Budget 2026: Rs 791.86 crore plan, no fare hike

The civic transport undertaking of Thane has presented a Rs 79186 crore budget for the financial year 202627 with a strong focus on expanding its electric bus fleet and improving sustainability while ensuring that passenger fares remain unchangedThe budget was tabled by Balchandra Behere manager of Thane Municipal Transport TMT outlining a roadmap to transform the public transport system into a modern ecofriendly and technologydriven networkMajor Push for Electric Bus ExpansionA key highlight of the budget is the largescale induction of electric buses under the PMeBus Sewa Scheme Around 100 airconditioned electric buses are expected to be added to the TMT fleet during 202627Additionally the tendering process is currently underway for procuring 160 more AC electric buses through funding from the 15th Finance Commissionrsquos National Clean Air Programme NCAP grants This move is aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality in the rapidly growing Thane regionTarget of 370 New Buses by 2027TMT has set an ambitious target of adding 370 new buses to its fleet by March 2027 This includes 270 airconditioned electric buses and 100 nonAC buses powered by CNG The shift reflects a strategic move away from conventional dieselpowered vehicles towards cleaner alternativesThe transition is expected to enhance passenger comfort reduce operational costs over time and align with broader environmental goalsNo Fare Hike Despite Rising CostsDespite increasing fuel costs and operational expenses the transport body has decided not to increase passenger fares This decision is expected to benefit daily commuters especially senior citizens and women who already receive subsidised travel benefitsHowever to manage the financial gap TMT has sought a grant of Rs 53829 crore from the Thane civic administration to offset losses arising from subsidies and rising expensesRevenue Projections and Financial PlanningThe undertaking has projected total revenue of Rs 18227 crore through bus operations and advertisement streams The budget reflects a continued reliance on civic support to maintain affordability while upgrading infrastructure and servicesRetrofitting and Cleaner Fuel TransitionIn addition to new procurements the budget also includes plans to retrofit 240 existing diesel buses with CNG kits This step will further accelerate the shift toward cleaner fuel options and help reduce emissions from the existing fleetDigital Initiatives to Improve EfficiencyTMT is also set to introduce digital passes for senior citizens aimed at streamlining operations and improving ease of access The initiative is part of a broader push towards adopting technologydriven solutions to enhance service delivery and operational efficiencyVision for Sustainable and Modern TransportOverall the Rs 79186 crore budget underscores Thanersquos commitment to building a sustainable commuterfriendly and futureready public transport system With a clear emphasis on electrification affordability and digital innovation TMT aims to significantly upgrade urban mobility in the coming yearsWith inputs from PTI