25 February,2026 02:47 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Pratap Sarnaik. Pic/X
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday announced that pending salary hike arrears have been credited to the bank accounts of nearly 86,000 employees of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), reported news agency PTI.
According to an official statement, the dues for February were deposited on Tuesday, bringing relief to thousands of employees who had been awaiting payments amid financial and technical hurdles.
Sarnaik stated that the corporation had faced difficulties in clearing the arrears due to a shortage of funds. In response, the state government stepped in and immediately provided financial support of Rs 100 crore to ensure timely disbursement.
"This is not just financial assistance but a reflection of the government's sensitivity and commitment towards employees," Sarnaik said, highlighting the administration's proactive approach in addressing employee concerns, reported PTI.
The move follows a decision taken in October 2025, when Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, with the approval of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and then Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, announced a monthly grant of approximately Rs 65 crore during discussions with employee unions.
The process of clearing arrears began in December 2025. However, the February instalment was delayed due to technical issues and financial constraints, leading to dissatisfaction among employees.
Sarnaik said he had held discussions with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers, seeking a total allocation of Rs 210 crore to fully address the dues.
"Out of this, Rs 100 crore has been released immediately, and the remaining amount will also be made available soon," he assured, reported PTI.
The development is expected to ease tensions among MSRTC employees and improve morale, as the government works towards ensuring timely payment of dues and financial stability for the transport corporation workforce.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government will implement a series of strict measures to curb rising road accidents including stringent action against drunk driving, it told the assembly on Tuesday. Responding to a calling attention motion by NCP's Dhananjay Munde about the accidents involving private sleeper-coach buses, transport minister Pratap Sarnaik said his department has already initiated several corrective steps.
(With inputs from PTI)
