Mumbai: Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has been officially appointed as the chairman of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), reaffirming political leadership at the helm of the state's public transport body.
This move comes two months after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had appointed Sanjay Sethi, Additional Chief Secretary of the Transport Department, as chairman, a decision that had drawn criticism for bypassing a political representative.
The appointment of Sethi had raised eyebrows in political circles, with speculation that Sarnaik was being sidelined. However, the latest development puts an end to that speculation, confirming that Minister Sarnaik will lead the MSRTC in both capacity as Transport Minister and as Chairman of the Corporation.
According to a statement from the transport department, Sarnaik has been appointed as the 26th chairman of the MSRTC under the provisions of the State Transport Corporation Act, 1950, and MSRTC rules. Sanjay Sethi will remain on the MSRTC board as an ex-officio member.
Following his appointment, Sarnaik said, “I am committed to creating a good quality transport service by financially empowering MSRTC, which is the 'lokvahini' (public carrier) of the common people of Maharashtra.”
The MSRTC, established in 1960, plays a critical role in connecting remote parts of Maharashtra. Sarnaik joins a line of notable leaders who have held the chairman position, including R. G. Saraiya, the first chairman, and more recently Diwakar Raote and Anil Parab. This reinstates the tradition of the transport minister also serving as MSRTC chairman, a practice briefly interrupted during Fadnavis’s recent decision.
Sarnaik’s appointment comes at a time of both operational and financial challenges for the MSRTC. The corporation operates approximately 14,000 buses, serving over 5.5 million passengers daily and employing around 90,000 people. However, it has been grappling with severe financial stress due to mounting losses, an aging fleet, and labor unrest.
Earlier this year, shortly after Sarnaik took charge of the transport department, the MSRTC implemented a 14.95% fare hike to combat daily losses, a move that triggered widespread public discontent and strong opposition criticism.
The financial condition of the corporation continues to be a concern for employees, as the MSRTC looks to strike a balance between service quality and sustainability under Sarnaik’s leadership.
