The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has announced that male passengers will now be eligible for the same fare concessions previously extended to women, senior citizens, and students.
This move, confirmed by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik during a recent press briefing, marks a departure from traditional gender-specific benefits in public transport. Historically, MSRTC had offered discounted fares to women and senior citizens, with women receiving a 50% discount and senior citizens over the age of 75 travelling free of charge. These concessions were introduced to make public transport more accessible and affordable for these groups. However, the financial implications of these discounts have been a topic of discussion. Minister Sarnaik acknowledged that the existing concessions had led to daily losses of approximately Rs 3 crore for the corporation. Despite these financial challenges, he emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining these benefits for women and senior citizens, stating that these concessions would continue uninterrupted.
The decision to extend fare concessions to male passengers is seen as a step towards gender-neutral policies in public transport. While the exact details of the new concession scheme, including the percentage of discount and eligibility criteria, are yet to be finalized, the move is expected to benefit a wide range of commuters, including daily wage earners, farmers, and rural residents who rely heavily on state-run buses for their livelihood and essential travel. The transport department is reportedly working on implementing digital passes and simplifying the application process to ensure that more people can easily benefit from the new scheme. These measures are part of a broader effort to modernize MSRTC’s operations and improve service delivery. In addition to fare concessions, MSRTC is undergoing a significant transformation. The corporation has embarked on a ₹10,000 crore fleet modernization drive, which includes the induction of thousands of new electric and diesel buses. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity across Maharashtra and reduce the environmental impact of public transport.
Furthermore, MSRTC has approved the procurement of 3,000 new buses with a 3×2 seating arrangement, increasing passenger capacity by 15 to 17 compared to current vehicles. Additionally, 100 mini buses are being acquired to serve hilly and remote regions, including tribal villages, thereby enhancing accessibility for Scheduled Tribes communities. These developments reflect the government’s commitment to improving public transport infrastructure and services, ensuring that they are accessible, affordable, and sustainable for all residents of Maharashtra. As the implementation of the new fare concession scheme progresses, MSRTC officials have assured that the rollout will be closely monitored to ensure transparency and prevent misuse.
Commuters are advised to stay updated through official announcements from the transport department regarding the start date, concession rates, and application procedures. This initiative underscores the government’s recognition of the diverse needs of the state’s population and its commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive public transport system. By extending fare concessions to all passengers, Maharashtra is taking a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive society where public services are accessible to everyone, regardless of gender.
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