Maharashtra Plans Transport Revolution with Cable Vehicle System
Maharashtra’s newly appointed Transport Minister, Pratap Sarnaik, is spearheading an ambitious agenda to transform the state’s transport systems, aiming to position Maharashtra at the forefront of transport innovation in India. Addressing the media at Mantralaya in South Mumbai on 24 December, Sarnaik revealed his vision to revamp Maharashtra’s transport infrastructure, focusing on both road and aerial travel.
Sarnaik’s vision for Maharashtra includes introducing pioneering measures such as travel subsidies for women and senior citizens, making the state’s transport networks more inclusive. One of the standout proposals is the introduction of cable vehicles, particularly 15-16 seater ropeway buses in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), inspired by the successful ropeway transit system in Bengaluru. This initiative aims to reduce congestion on the roads while providing an alternative mode of transport.
In his media address, Sarnaik emphasized the importance of revitalizing the State Transport Corporation (STC), which has been plagued by losses. He announced that starting this week, all transfers within the STC will be moved online to streamline operations and increase efficiency. Sarnaik acknowledged that tough decisions may be required to enhance the STC’s operations, including expanding services to more remote areas of the state. Sarnaik also shared his admiration for Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s work in road transport and his commitment to integrating aerial transport solutions as a key part of Maharashtra’s future mobility plans. He highlighted the potential of integrating aerial systems with traditional road networks to create a more seamless and efficient transport system.
In addition to the cable car initiative, Sarnaik outlined plans to modernize the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus depots, taking inspiration from Gujarat’s advanced transport facilities. The state government is also exploring ways to enhance air transport services, aligning with the vision of making Maharashtra a leader in both land and air transport sectors. By adopting successful models from other states and introducing forward-thinking policies, Sarnaik hopes to transform Maharashtra’s transport sector, making it a model for efficiency, sustainability, and convenience.
