GSRTC Terminates Ties with 27 Highway Hotels Due to Hygiene Concerns
In a significant move aimed at improving passenger experiences and ensuring higher standards of cleanliness, the Gujarat State Road and Transport Corporation (GSRTC) has officially cancelled its collaborations with 27 highway hotels across the state. The decision, which reflects the growing emphasis on hygiene, stems from mounting complaints regarding the unsanitary conditions of these establishments. Sources within the government have indicated that more hotels could soon face similar scrutiny and action. The move underscores GSRTC’s commitment to providing safe, clean, and comfortable rest stops for passengers traveling across Gujarat’s extensive network of highways.
According to Harsh Sanghavi, Minister of State for Home and Transport, the hotels had been receiving consistent complaints for their unhygienic practices, particularly regarding filthy washrooms and overpriced food items. “We have been receiving regular complaints from passengers, along with photographic evidence, highlighting the unclean conditions at these hotels. After thorough verification, we have decided to sever ties with these establishments. This drive will continue in the coming months, as we look to enforce higher standards across all our partner hotels,” Sanghavi stated. The affected hotels span various key routes, including Ahmedabad-Surat and Ahmedabad-Palanpur, with 12 hotels on the Ahmedabad-Surat stretch topping the list.
The move to sever ties with these hotels highlights a larger issue within the GSRTC’s operational model. The state-run corporation has long been reliant on auctions to establish partnerships with hotels located along state and national highways. These hotels were expected to offer passengers a hygienic environment to rest, eat, and use clean facilities during their journeys. However, the failure of several hotels to meet the cleanliness and service standards expected of them has tarnished the image of GSRTC and, by extension, the public transport system. The action against the 27 hotels comes as a result of years of mounting pressure from passengers, who expressed dissatisfaction through the GSRTC’s online feedback system.
In response to the growing concerns, Transport Commissioner Anupam Anand outlined the future direction the GSRTC aims to take in addressing passenger needs. He stated that, apart from eliminating problematic hotels, the government is considering setting up new canteens along highways in collaboration with the Gujarat Tourism department. These canteens will be located on government land, offering an alternative to the private establishments that have failed to meet the required hygiene standards. Anand also mentioned the potential for public-private partnerships in this endeavour, allowing private entities to manage facilities on state-owned land, ensuring that the passengers’ needs are met without compromising on cleanliness and quality.
From a sustainability standpoint, the GSRTC’s move is a step in the right direction, as it focuses on providing better services while tackling an important issue that affects both the environment and public health. Cleanliness in public spaces, particularly in transit hubs, is an essential aspect of promoting public health and hygiene. By improving the conditions of these highway rest stops, GSRTC not only ensures the well-being of its passengers but also sets a precedent for other public institutions in Gujarat. The government’s push for more sustainable, hygienic options in travel could have broader implications for the state’s tourism and transport sectors, encouraging a more responsible approach to highway infrastructure.
As GSRTC moves forward with its plans to transform the way passengers experience travel along Gujarat’s highways, the government is emphasising a more comprehensive and sustainable model for highway rest stops. The focus on cleanliness, hygiene, and service quality signals a shift towards more responsible public sector management, ensuring that passengers, particularly long-distance travellers, have access to essential facilities that are safe, hygienic, and accessible.
