01 July,2026 12:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has granted in-principle approval to allow private tourism agencies to participate in its Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray - ST Sange Teerthatan pilgrimage scheme, a move aimed at expanding the programme while improving service delivery for pilgrims across the state.
The decision is expected to strengthen the scheme by bringing in private agencies to manage non-transport services, while MSRTC retains control over bus operations and passenger transportation. According to Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik, the arrangement is intended to provide pilgrims with a more organised and integrated travel experience while generating an additional source of revenue for the state-run transport corporation.
Under the revised framework, selected private tourism agencies will be responsible for planning and managing pilgrimage and religious tours. Their responsibilities will include arranging accommodation, meals, local sightseeing, tour guides, drinking water, refreshments, parking, toll charges and entry fees to tourist attractions.
MSRTC will continue to operate buses, manage passenger transportation and retain the entire revenue generated from bus fares. The corporation believes this division of responsibilities will allow pilgrims to access all travel-related services through a single booking arrangement while ensuring that public transport operations remain under its control.
Reservations under the scheme will be confirmed only after each bus has the required number of passengers based on its seating capacity.
Government-approved travel concessions available to eligible social groups will continue under the scheme. Officials said this is expected to make pilgrimage packages more affordable than comparable offerings from private tour operators.
Private tourism agencies participating in the initiative will also be required to share at least 10 per cent of the revenue generated from tourism-related services with MSRTC.
To implement the initiative across Maharashtra, the government will appoint one tourism agency for each of the state's six regions through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
Only agencies with experience in the tourism sector, government-recognised registration and compliance with the prescribed eligibility criteria will be considered for selection.
The project will initially be implemented as a two-year pilot. The government will review its performance and public response before taking a decision on further expansion.
Selected agencies will also be permitted to use the official MSRTC logo for promotional activities related to the scheme.
The state government said the expanded scheme could create new employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the tourism sector.
According to the transport department, the initiative is expected to encourage young entrepreneurs to enter the tourism industry by focusing on tour planning and management rather than large capital investments. Officials also said the scheme could help promote Maharashtra's religious, cultural and tourism destinations while supporting self-employment opportunities.
Sarnaik appealed to young people across the state to participate in the initiative and explore opportunities in the tourism sector.
Commenting on the initiative, Pratap Sarnaik said the expanded model is intended to improve pilgrimage services while supporting the financial sustainability of the state transport corporation.
"This scheme, launched with the twin objectives of combining dedicated service with pilgrims' faith and strengthening the financial position of MSRTC, will not only provide a new direction to religious tourism in the state but also contribute significantly to increasing the corporation's revenue," Sarnaik said.
