The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) with a fleet of 18,000 buses, is facing a crisis on multiple fronts. Unable to pay for diesel, unions have alleged it is asking its drivers and conductors on duty in buses cancelled due to this, to take leave. Even as thousands of Ganpati specials have been lined up, the transporter has begun facing a serious money crunch, with salary delays for the past few months. Trade unions are also raising concerns about the slow staff vaccination.

“Salaries have been delayed for some months now. There is always a question of when the next salary will arrive. There is no money for diesel to run buses and when buses are cancelled due to this, the staff is asked to take leave. It is a crisis,” Shrirang Barge, general secretary of Maharashtra ST Karmachari Congress, said.