Maharashtra Transport Minister and Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) chairman Pratap Sarnaik has directed the state-run bus corporation to ensure that November salaries for around 83,000 employees are paid before Diwali, which begins on November 6.
Sarnaik instructed the MSRTC administration to take urgent steps so employees receive their salaries in time to manage festive shopping, household expenses and other financial commitments. MSRTC employees generally receive their monthly salaries between the 7th and 10th of each month.
To enable payment before the festival, Sarnaik has asked the corporation’s Finance and Planning Department to urgently follow up with the Maharashtra government for the funds required. The department has also been directed to expedite the release of pending reimbursements linked to passenger concession schemes, along with the government grant needed to cover salary payments.
The minister told the administration to treat the matter as a priority and coordinate with the state government to arrange the required funds and plan the disbursement process. Officials have been instructed to take steps to avoid delays in salary payments despite MSRTC’s financial difficulties.
MSRTC operates bus services through depots that serve populations in their respective areas across Maharashtra. According to the corporation, more than 85 per cent of its passengers travel less than 100 km, making local and regional bus services a significant part of the network’s operations.
The salary directive comes as the corporation reports an improvement in revenue. MSRTC recorded a rise of Rs 66 crore in revenue in August compared with July, with the corporation attributing the increase partly to changes in bus schedules and services based on passenger demand.
The corporation also reported its highest-ever daily revenue of Rs 45 crore on August 31. Its monthly revenue crossed Rs 1,000 crore for the first time, according to the report. Sarnaik has called for further steps to increase earnings and reduce operating losses while linking the August improvement to efforts to match bus services with passenger demand.
The figures underline the financial pressures involved in maintaining a large public transport network while continuing to provide concession-based travel and regional services. The corporation’s pending reimbursements for passenger concessions and its requirement for government support are central to the planned salary disbursement.
The MSRTC Finance and Planning Department is expected to continue coordinating with the state government on the release of funds, pending concession reimbursements and the grant required to ensure that November salaries reach employees before Diwali.
