KMT presents ‘surplus’ budget, modernisation of bus stops, solar plant to power 40 e-buses

Kolhapur: The Kolhapur Municipal Transport (KMT) administration has presented a surplus budget for 2026-27 fiscal year, with revenue earnings expected to exceed expenses by Rs11.45 lakh. The administration has proposed no hike in bus fares.The total expenditure outlay has been pegged at Rs74 crore. On behalf of civic chief and transport manager K. Manjulekshmi, deputy municipal commissioner Paritosh Kankal presented the budget to the KMT committee, chaired by Satyajeet Jadhav. The proposal will now be submitted to the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation's (KMC) standing committee for suggestions before moving to the general body for final ratification.To support the undertaking, the KMC has decided to transfer Rs23.25 crore as revenue expenditure. Additionally, Rs3.33 crore has been allocated as a grant for the procurement of electric buses under the "PM e-Bus Sewa," a centrally sponsored scheme.A key highlight of the budget is the proposal to set up a Rs5-crore solar power plant. This infrastructure is designed to offset rising electricity costs, particularly as the KMT prepares to add approximately 40 electric buses to its current fleet of 65 diesel-run vehicles.Outlining the vision for the coming year, Kankal said, "We aim to modernise and beautify bus stops through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. We are also introducing shuttle services from designated parking areas to the Mahalaxmi Temple. Our focus will be on data-driven route management to increase fleet usability to 90%, reduce breakdowns by 20%, and provide specialized training for drivers to improve safety and fuel efficiency."The administration plans to boost revenue through passenger tickets, pay-and-park facilities, and bus advertisements. Grants from the central and state governments will be utilised to modernise depots and install charging stations.Furthermore, Rs8 crore has been earmarked for information technology (IT) services. This includes implementation of android-based e-ticketing, computerised pass issuance, mobile ticket sales, and digital payment systems. To enhance security and operations, the KMT will also install CCTV cameras and establish a centralised command and control centre.