ST buses serve lakhs of school-going children across Maharashtra every day. The state government currently offers a 66.66 per cent concession on monthly passes for students, while under the Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar Scheme, girl students up to Class 12 receive free passes for their daily commute
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The Maharashtra State Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has launched a dedicated helpline — 1800221251 — to assist school and college students who face delays, cancellations or other difficulties while travelling on State Transport (ST) buses. The announcement was made by Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik, who said the initiative aims to ensure students’ safety, timely travel, and uninterrupted academic schedules.
ST buses serve lakhs of school-going children across Maharashtra every day. The state government currently offers a 66.66 per cent concession on monthly passes for students, while under the Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar Scheme, girl students up to Class 12 receive free passes for their daily commute.
The decision to launch the helpline follows a series of complaints raised by school students during Maharashtra Minister Sarnaik’s visit to the Dharashiv Central Bus Stand. Students reported issues such as buses not departing on time, skipping designated stops due to overcrowding, late arrivals and sudden cancellations without prior notice. Many said these disruptions lead to substantial academic losses as they frequently reach school late or miss classes altogether.
Students also shared concerns about returning home late in the evenings after school or college hours. They said that families expect them to reach home within an hour, but irregular ST services often cause delays and create misunderstandings at home. In some cases, the minister noted, such issues have led to extreme situations — including instances where girl students, distressed by repeated reprimands or anxiety, reportedly took their own lives.
To address these concerns, the newly launched helpline will provide immediate assistance for issues such as delayed buses, technical breakdowns, sudden route changes or cancellation of services. Sarnaik urged students to make full use of the number 1800221251, assuring that MSRTC teams will respond promptly.
In addition to the helpline, contact numbers of divisional controllers from all 31 MSRTC divisions are being shared with schools and colleges. Principals, teachers and even students can directly contact these officials during emergencies to help escalate issues faster.
The minister has also issued strict new accountability measures within the MSRTC. He has directed that if a student suffers academic loss — including missing classes, practicals or examinations — due to mismanagement of ST services, the concerned depot manager and supervisors will be held responsible.
To streamline peak-hour operations, supervisors from respective depots will now be required to be present in uniform between 5 pm and 6 pm, Monday to Friday, at major student-heavy bus stops. They must remain there until every student boards their bus safely. Any supervisor or officer found negligent may face suspension or compulsory leave, with the duration matching the academic loss caused by their lapses.
MSRTC’s General Manager (Traffic) has been instructed to implement these directives immediately.
The initiative marks a significant step by the state government toward ensuring safer and more reliable public transport for students, while reinforcing strict accountability within the transport system.
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