Pune: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has decided to introduce air-conditioned sleeper buses for long journeys on six routes. The corporation will ply the Shivshahi buses on these routes only at night.

The State Transport buses are facing competition from private operators on long journeys. The private operators are providing sleeper coaches. The officials said adding one more facility on their buses will increase passengers and revenue as well.

“The State Transport is already plying Pune-Panjim, Pune-Belgaum, Mumbai-Panjim, Nigdi-Belgaum and Pune-Shahada buses. These buses are running during the day and now the corporation has decided to run them at night. These buses will have sleeper coaches,” said an official of MSRTC, Pune division.

“The number of buses like Ashwamedh, Shivneri and Shivshahi are increasing, while the

Shivshahi buses are popular nowadays. The corporation has included 10 sleeper Shivshahi buses in its fleet. During peak seasons like a festival, summer vacation or long weekend  the private operators are trying to loot or charge heavy amount from passengers,” said the officials.