Bus Boom: Maharashtra's Transport Revamp

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is taking decisive action to solve its revenue deficit by introducing 8,300 new buses this year, according to Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik. The influx of buses is expected to increase passenger numbers and income, offering a financial lifeline to the corporation.

Due to the shrinkage of its fleet from 19,000 to 12,600 buses post-pandemic, the MSRTC faced losses exacerbated by a prolonged employee strike. Currently, ridership is experiencing a comeback with 50 lakh daily passengers, thanks in part to state schemes providing fare discounts.

The corporation's initiative includes 3,000 'Rajmata Jijau Saheb' inter-city buses, alongside tenders for 5,000 regular buses. Special provisions are also being made for remote and luxury travel. Sarnaik emphasized the aim of balancing expenditures and income to stabilize MSRTC's financial status.