05 June,2026 04:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/Special Arrangement
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) on Friday launched a statewide cleanliness campaign aimed at improving sanitation standards across its bus stations, buses and passenger facilities. The initiative was inaugurated at the Parel Bus Depot in Mumbai by Maharashtra Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik on the occasion of World Environment Day.
The campaign seeks to enhance cleanliness and maintenance at bus stations, passenger waiting areas, public toilets and rest rooms used by drivers and conductors across the state. According to MSRTC officials, advanced cleaning equipment and mechanised sanitation systems will be deployed at major bus terminals as part of the initiative.
As part of the new drive, bus stations, buses, rest rooms and public toilets will be cleaned at intervals of four hours. During the launch event, officials demonstrated the use of modern cleaning machinery that will be utilised across the MSRTC network.
The corporation said the initiative is intended to improve hygiene standards at public transport facilities that are used by millions of passengers every day. Major bus stations and surrounding premises will be covered under the campaign, with cleaning operations carried out on a regular basis using advanced sanitation equipment.
Addressing the gathering, Sarnaik said public transport facilities must provide passengers with a clean and safe environment. He noted that the state transport service remains an important part of daily life in Maharashtra and that maintaining hygiene at stations and inside buses is a key responsibility of the corporation.
The cleanliness campaign will also include the collection of plastic waste generated at bus stations. Plastic bottles and bags gathered during cleaning drives will be segregated and sent for recycling.
According to the transport department, the recycled material will be utilised in the production of various durable products. The move is part of broader efforts to encourage sustainable waste management practices within the state transport network.
Officials said the cleanliness initiative is designed as an ongoing programme rather than a one-time exercise. Senior officers have been tasked with monitoring implementation, while periodic inspections will be conducted to assess sanitation standards at bus stations across Maharashtra.
Passenger feedback will also be taken into account to identify areas requiring improvement and to ensure that facilities are maintained consistently.
During the event, the foundation stone was laid for the expansion of charging infrastructure at the Parel Depot. The project involves the addition of nine charging stations and forms part of MSRTC's larger plan to support the transition to electric public transport.
The corporation has announced plans to establish charging facilities at all 251 of its depots across Maharashtra as it gradually expands its electric bus operations. Officials said the charging network will help support the state's efforts to promote cleaner and more sustainable modes of transportation.
Senior MSRTC officials, divisional controllers and employee representatives attended the programme. Following the launch, Sarnaik inspected passenger facilities at the Parel Bus Station, including waiting areas and sanitation facilities, and reviewed the arrangements made under the cleanliness campaign.
