He further stated that any delay in the tender process to induct the buses will invite strict action, with the officers concerned being held personally accountable. He was speaking at a high-level review meeting on the utilisation of MSRTC’s budgetary funds for the financial year 2025–26
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik chaired a meeting with MSRTC officials on Sunday.
Maharashtra Transport Minister and chairman of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), Pratap Sarnaik, on Sunday issued a strict advisory to officials, directing them to immediately expedite the tender process to induct 8,000 new buses into the ST fleet by the end of 2026.
The Maharashtra Transport Minister further stated that any delay in the process will invite strict action, with the officers concerned being held personally accountable.
While speaking at a high-level review meeting on the utilisation of MSRTC’s budgetary funds for the financial year 2025–26, Sarnaik also pointed out various developments in Maharashtra’s transportation. The meeting was attended by MSRTC Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Dr Madhav Kusekar, Financial Advisor & Chief Accounts Officer Girish Deshmukh, and other senior officials from various departments.
Expressing strong displeasure over the slow pace of work, Sarnaik pointed out that although the state government has allocated Rs 2,460 crore to MSRTC in the 2025–26 budget, nearly Rs 1,600 crore is likely to remain unspent with just three months left in the financial year.
Terming this as a “very serious matter”, Sarnaik said that such lapses reflect poor planning and administrative inefficiency.
The minister further stressed that the funds originate from taxpayers’ money and must be utilised for improving basic passenger amenities, including the procurement of new buses and the construction, repair, and renovation of bus stations.
He also noted that tender processes related to bus purchases and infrastructure works have been stalled for nearly nine months, leading to underutilisation of funds.
Maharashtra transport minister directs officials to ensure maximum utilisation of funds
Holding the departments concerned responsible, Sarnaik directed officials to ensure maximum expenditure of available funds within the remaining three months and to immediately complete all pending tendering and administrative procedures.
He specifically emphasised fast-tracking projects related to new buses, bus stations, and passenger facilities such as restrooms.
The Maharashtra Transport Minister also reiterated that the modernisation of MSRTC would be carried out at a rapid pace, with passenger convenience as the top priority.
Further, he called upon the administration to act responsibly and with urgency to strengthen the public transport system and restore public confidence in the state-run bus service.
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