VIDEO: Maharashtra Govt Releases ₹120 Crore For MSRTC Staff Salaries; Minister Pratap Sarnaik Announces Advance Monthly Payments, 25,000 New Buses

Mumbai: In a major relief to Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) employees, the state government’s finance department has approved an immediate release of Rs120 crore to cover the remaining 44% of salaries owed to staff. Newly appointed MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik announced the decision following a meeting with Principal Secretary Saurabh Vijay at the state secretariat on Friday.

Sarnaik, who officially took charge as MSRTC Chairman earlier that day, criticized the state government's delay in fund allocation. “We are begging for what is rightfully ours. Salaries are not a favor but a right,” he said, expressing his frustration over the finance department allegedly returning transport-related files without forwarding them to Finance Minister Ajit Pawar.

In a significant policy shift, Sarnaik revealed that starting next month, salary funds for MSRTC employees will be transferred a month in advance. Of the Rs 1,076 crore demanded by the MSRTC, Rs 120 crore is being released now, with the remaining Rs 946 crore to be disbursed in three phases.

He also confirmed that employee salaries will be disbursed by the 7th of every month going forward.

Earlier, the state government had announced that only 56% of March salaries would be paid due to a shortage of funds, sparking outrage from employee unions. This marked the first time in MSRTC’s history that salaries were cut so drastically, prompting threats of agitation from workers’ associations.

Speaking to the media, Sarnaik emphasized the vital role of MSRTC in providing affordable and safe transport to 13 crore citizens. He pledged to strengthen the corporation financially and improve service quality. Planned upgrades include:

Modern Toilets and Safety Features: Clean, sterilized restrooms at all bus stands and installation of CCTV cameras, panic buttons, and increased security for passenger safety, particularly for women.

Bus Depot Modernization: The state will develop bus stand facilities under the “Build-Operate-Transfer” model with private developers. The first phase will include tenders for 66 locations.

Fleet Expansion: 25,000 new buses are to be added, replacing outdated vehicles. This year, 2,640 new ‘Red’ buses will be inducted, with over 800 already deployed across 113 depots. Tenders for 3,000 more buses are underway, including mid-sized buses for rural routes and 200 air-conditioned sleeper coaches for long-distance travel.

Sarnaik concluded by assuring that efforts will be made to extend MSRTC’s services from metropolitan areas to the most remote tribal hamlets in Maharashtra.