Mumbai: Maharashtra government undertaking Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is facing losses of Rs 3 crore per day due to discounts offered to women and senior citizens in its bus services, state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Friday. He further clarified that going forward, no travel concessions will be offered on ST buses.
Sarnaik, speaking at an event in Dharashiv, acknowledged that the 50% fare concession for women and the 75% concession for senior citizens have significantly impacted the financial health of the state transport corporation.
He stated, “Due to these concessions, the corporation is incurring a daily loss of Rs 3 crore. If we continue granting such benefits, running the MSRTC will become extremely challenging. Therefore, we cannot consider further concessions.”
Sarnaik also emphasised that while ST services should reach the most underprivileged sections of society, his priority remains ensuring bus connectivity to tribal communities and their settlements. His statement comes as the opposition repeatedly claims that fare concessions are causing financial strain on the ST, a charge the state government has consistently denied.
Following the transport minister’s statement and the state’s worsening financial situation, discussions began on whether these concessions would now be revoked. Maharashtra is facing a financial deficit of Rs 2 lakh crore, and reports suggest that some schemes introduced before the elections may be discontinued.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been reversing several decisions made by the Shinde government, leading to speculation about whether the fare concessions for women and senior citizens will also be withdrawn.
However, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde clarified the situation, stating, “The fare concessions for women and senior citizens in ST buses will not be revoked. We will honor the promise made to passengers.”
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