The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has introduced a new cleanliness surcharge of Rs 2 on all bus tickets across the state, effective April 15. This initiative aims to enhance sanitation facilities at bus stands and on state transport buses, with the collected funds exclusively earmarked for appointing a dedicated sanitation agency through a tendering process.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the surcharge applies broadly to all passengers, including senior citizens who are typically exempt from fares. However, students have been exempted from this additional charge. Pune divisional controller Arun Siya confirmed the implementation, stating that the surcharge is necessary to fund a private agency responsible for cleaning MSRTC stands every four hours and ensuring buses are cleaned before departure. This move seeks to standardize sanitation responsibilities, which were previously managed by various entities like the Valmiki community and Sulabh International.
The MSRTC operates approximately 350 bus stands throughout Maharashtra, with 48 of them located in the Pune division alone, underscoring the significant scale of this cleanliness drive. While the objective of improving hygiene has been generally acknowledged, commuter reactions have been mixed, with some questioning the effectiveness and transparency of the fund utilization.
In related developments, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that from June 1, toilet facilities at all MSRTC bus stands will become free for passengers. This measure is part of a broader reform package aimed at improving passenger amenities. The minister also directed that cleaning operations at bus stations be conducted every four hours on a permanent basis. Furthermore, plans are underway to establish libraries at every bus station to enhance passenger facilities.
Minister Sarnaik also addressed concerns regarding the pricing and availability of food at bus stand canteens. He expressed displeasure over reports of inflated prices and concealed rate boards, emphasizing that serving tea and breakfast for Rs 30 is mandatory and strict action would be taken against non-compliant operators. Additionally, the minister confirmed the government’s commitment to inducting 8,000 new buses into the MSRTC fleet in phases, prioritizing the replacement of old buses with modern, safe, and comfortable ones, particularly for rural and remote areas.
The introduction of the cleanliness surcharge and the subsequent improvements in sanitation facilities are part of a larger effort by the MSRTC to provide a cleaner and more comfortable travel experience for its passengers across the state. The corporation expects to generate a substantial daily revenue through this levy, which will be directly channeled into maintaining and upgrading the hygiene standards at its extensive network of bus stands and vehicles.
.png){kind=link}
The Chenab Times News Desk