The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has been directed to ensure that around 83,000 employees receive their November salaries before Diwali, which begins on November 6, 2026. Maharashtra Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik instructed the corporation to take urgent steps to prevent delays in salary payments ahead of the festival.
MSRTC employees generally receive their salaries between the seventh and 10th of each month. To enable payment before Diwali, Sarnaik has directed the corporation’s Finance and Planning Department to urgently follow up with the Maharashtra government for the funds required to meet the salary obligation.
The department has also been asked to expedite the release of pending reimbursements linked to passenger concession schemes, along with the government grant required to cover salary payments. The instructions place the release of funds and the planning of salary disbursement at the centre of the corporation’s immediate administrative work.
Sarnaik said the MSRTC’s financial difficulties should not affect employees’ ability to celebrate Diwali with their families. He directed the administration to coordinate with the state government, arrange the necessary funds and plan the payment process so that salaries are released before the festival.
The direction comes as the state-run bus corporation continues efforts to improve its finances and reduce operating losses. MSRTC reported a revenue increase of Rs 66 crore in August compared with July after changes were made to bus schedules and services based on passenger demand.
The corporation also recorded its highest-ever daily revenue of Rs 45 crore on August 31, while 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.
MSRTC depots are responsible for providing bus services to their respective local populations. More than 85 per cent of the corporation’s passengers travel less than 100 km, making its local and regional routes a significant part of Maharashtra’s public transport network.
The administration has been asked to treat the salary payment as a priority and complete the required coordination and funding steps before Diwali.
