The Maharashtra government is positive about addressing the demands raised by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) workers, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Monday.
Speaking at a meeting with ST workers’ unions at Mantralaya, Sarnaik said the demands of the staff are “justified” and assured that a decision will be taken over them after discussions with Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.
The meeting was attended by MSRTC Managing Director Dr Madhav Kusekar, Joint Secretary Rajendra Holkar, and representatives from various unions, including Sandeep Shinde, Sameer More, Shrirang Barge, Hanumant Tate, Prakash Nimbalkar, Mukesh Tigote, and Pradeep Dhurandhar.
Sarnaik said the government is likely to take a positive decision on pending issues such as dearness allowance, house rent allowance, and other arrears, as well as the Diwali festival advance. He noted that these dues, pending since 2018, amount to around Rs 4,400 crore.
Focus on financial strengthening
The minister stressed the need to make MSRTC financially self-reliant rather than depending on state funds. He said several initiatives have been launched to boost revenue, including generating Rs 100 crore each annually through advertisements and through a modernised parcel service.
Plans are also in place to commercialise MSRTC fuel stations, which currently serve only corporation buses. Once opened to commuters, these outlets are expected to generate Rs 200–250 crore annually, he said.
Sarnaik added that the corporation is developing its own passenger app, which will also provide app-based taxi, rickshaw, and e-bike services, aiming to increase yearly revenue by Rs 500–600 crore.
Infrastructure and recruitment plans
Under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, the government plans to develop MSRTC properties, including building residential quarters and rest houses for employees. These projects are expected to bring in Rs 1,000–1,500 crore annually while enhancing employee facilities.
Sarnaik further said that 8,000 new buses will be added to the MSRTC fleet by the end of next year, taking the total strength to about 18,000–20,000. Recruitment for necessary staff has been proposed, and until approval is granted, employees will be hired on a temporary contract-based to meet the increased service demand.
