Delay in signing file by CM stalls Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation's plan to buy 2200 buses

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde. File Pic

A Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) employees' union leader on Thursday claimed the state-run undertaking's plan to buy 2,200 buses was stalled due to delay on the part of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to sign the concerned file, reported news agency PTI.

Addressing a press conference in the Congress' Tilak Bhavan office in Mumbai, Shrirang Barge of the ST Karmachari Sangh said 10,000 of 15,600 buses in Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation's fleet were in deplorable condition and delay in signing the file has caused shortage of vehicles in the summer, reported PTI.

"Many of the buses in the fleet have run for more than 8.5 lakh kilometres. These are plagued by frequent breakdowns, which inconveniences passengers and staffers. Moreover, MSRTC's operating cost has increased by 1.5 per cent due to such buses," he said.

"As the chief minister has not signed the file pertaining to funds, the purchase of 2,200 buses has got stalled. Why hasn't the file been signed? It was sent to the CMO much before the code of conduct for the Lok Sabha polls came into effect," he claimed.

As Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation chairman, the CM owes an explanation for this delay since it takes at least three months for new buses to arrive once a work order is placed, Barge added, reported PTI.

MSRTC has awarded a tender for hiring 5,150 e-buses from an EV manufacturing company, and as per the contract, it was supposed to supply 215 buses per month though only 20 mid-sized vehicles have come in so far, he further claimed, reported PTI.

In February, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde dedicated 5,150 air-conditioned electric buses to the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) fleet.

Addressing a gathering at the Khopat bus depot in Thane, CM Shinde called for improvements in all ST bus depots in the state to ensure better passenger amenities and announced surprise inspections to monitor progress, according to the PTI.

The addition of 5,150 electric buses to the MSRTC fleet marks a significant step towards modernisation and environmental sustainability, he said, while reiterating the importance of transitioning from diesel to LNG buses to reduce pollution.

CM Eknath Shinde assured prompt resolution of pending issues concerning MSRTC workers and staff and emphasised the importance of competing effectively with private bus operators.

CM Shinde also emphasised the importance of extending e-bus and AC bus services to rural areas of the state.

(With inputs from PTI)