The Maharashtra government has approved the release of Rs 391.02 crore to the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) as reimbursement for passenger concession schemes for September 2026. The government resolution authorising the allocation was issued on October 27, paving the way for salary payments to employees ahead of Diwali.
Funds cleared ahead of Diwali
MSRTC employees generally receive their monthly salaries between the 7th and 10th of each month. With Diwali beginning on November 6, Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik directed the corporation’s administration to expedite the salary payment process so employees could receive their wages before the festival.
Following his directions, the Transport Department and MSRTC administration pursued the release of funds from the state government to facilitate the payments.
Passenger concessions add to MSRTC’s financial burden
The Rs 391.02 crore allocation covers reimbursements for passenger concession schemes implemented by MSRTC, including the Mahila Sanman scheme for women passengers and fare concessions for senior citizens.
These schemes place a financial burden on the corporation, making timely reimbursement from the state government important for managing cash flow and meeting routine expenses. Although the funds have been approved, the actual salary payment will depend on the completion of the corporation’s disbursement process.
Sarnaik urges swift salary payments
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the decision was an important step towards fulfilling the government’s commitment to employees and urged the MSRTC administration to complete the salary distribution process promptly.
“MSRTC is not merely a transport service but an integral part of the lives of millions of people in Maharashtra. The officers and employees who work around the clock to keep this service running are the corporation’s real strength. We sincerely want their families to celebrate Diwali with happiness. The government has taken an important decision towards fulfilling its promise to pay employees before Diwali. The MSRTC administration should now complete the salary distribution process urgently,” Sarnaik said.
The release of funds is expected to provide financial relief to the corporation as it prepares for salary payments ahead of the festival.
MSRTC records Rs 66 crore revenue rise in August after changes to bus schedules
Meanwhile, the MSRTC recorded a Rs 66 crore increase in revenue in August compared with July, with changes to bus schedules and services based on passenger demand contributing to the improvement.
