Devendra Fadnavis is set to usher in a new chapter in Maharashtra’s public transport system with the launch of the advanced ‘Rajmata Jijau’ ST bus service on March 24 at the Vidhan Bhavan.
The inauguration will take place in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar.
Leadership Presence
According to Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik, the initiative seamlessly blends Maharashtra’s rich heritage with modern technology, marking a major step toward strengthening the state’s public transport network.
Other prominent dignitaries attending the ceremony include Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde and Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar.
Sarnaik announced that nearly 3,000 ‘Rajmata Jijau’ smart buses will soon be added to the fleet of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation, significantly boosting capacity and improving service quality.
The buses are named after Jijabai, the प्रेरणा behind Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, symbolising heritage and the spirit of maternal strength.
Enhanced Comfort and Safety
Designed for better passenger experience, the new buses feature a 3×2 seating layout with a capacity of 56 passengers—16 more than existing models.
They come equipped with modern features such as:
CCTV cameras
GPS tracking
Panic buttons
Public announcement systems
Electronic display boards
These upgrades aim to deliver a safer, smarter, and more comfortable travel experience.
Deployment and Operations
Primarily intended for high-density intercity routes, the buses will run as shuttle services to reduce travel time and ease congestion.
The first batch of 50 buses will be deployed in Nagpur, from where the service will begin operations.
Sarnaik expressed confidence that the ‘Rajmata Jijau’ bus service will not only modernise transport infrastructure but also reflect Maharashtra’s cultural pride while offering a passenger-centric travel experience.
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