The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will enhance passenger services in the state by adding 3,500 new ‘Lal-Pari’ buses to its fleet in the upcoming year, announced Maharashtra Minister Bharat Gogawale during a media interaction at Vanamati on Wednesday. Additionally, the MSRTC has submitted a proposal to the state government for a 14.95% fare hike to fund improvements in bus stations and passenger facilities.
The Ladki Bahin Yojana, which has increased the number of women passengers in both urban and rural areas, has driven a surge in demand for buses. To address this, the current fleet of 14,000 buses will soon be reinforced with 2,200 new buses and 1,310 leased buses. The deployment of these buses is expected by the end of January 2024, ensuring additional services and reducing waiting times for passengers.
“We are also phasing out outdated buses that hinder operations. The addition of new buses will minimize breakdowns and enhance service reliability,” said Gogawale.
Plans are underway to modernize key bus stations, including Ganeshpeth and Mor Bhavan in Nagpur, with upgraded passenger amenities such as better toilets and the removal of encroachments. MSRTC is also working on concreting 183 bus stations across the state, including the expansion of Ganeshpeth Bus Station, which is nearing completion and is expected to serve as a model facility for Vidarbha.
On pending employee liabilities, Gogawale assured that Rs 3,075 crore would be disbursed shortly. He highlighted ongoing modernization efforts to improve overall passenger experience.
Senior officials, including Dr. Madhav Kusekar, Managing Director of MSRTC, and Shrikant Gabhane, Regional Manager, were also present during the interaction.