In relief to flood-hit citizens, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde instructed transport minister to cancel MSRTC’s proposed 10 perc Diwali bus fare hike
Representational Image. File Pic
In light of the severe flood situation across Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday announced the cancellation of the proposed 10 per cent fare hike by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) for the upcoming Diwali season.
The hike, which is typically implemented during the festive period to boost revenue, reportedly generates around Rs 30 crore, has been rolled back this year as a special exception due to the ongoing hardships faced by citizens in flood-affected areas.
“I have directed Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik to cancel the fare hike. Our priority is to ease the burden on people already suffering due to the natural calamity,” Shinde said, addressing the media.
Following these instructions, Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik officially announced the rollback, calling it a necessary step to support the economically strained public.
“In view of the current situation and the financial pressure on citizens, we have decided to cancel the temporary fare increase,” Sarnaik said.
The 10 per cent hike had been approved earlier under the State Transport Authority’s provision allowing up to a 30 per cent increase during peak seasons. It was set to be implemented across all MSRTC services, including Ordinary, Semi-Luxury (Hirkani), Sleeper, Shivshahi (AC), and Jan Shivaneri buses. However, air-conditioned Shivneri and Shivai services were to remain exempt.
With this rollback, passengers travelling during the Diwali rush, especially those in rural and flood-hit areas, will now pay standard fares, bringing much-needed relief to thousands of daily commuters who depend on MSRTC services.
The decision reflects the state government’s effort to prioritise citizen welfare amid a growing humanitarian crisis caused by unseasonal, heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding.
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