Mumbai: In a bid to curb the rising number of road accidents, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik emphasized the need to prioritize road safety and draft clear guidelines for the use of the Road Safety Fund. The directive was issued during a high-level meeting held in the Mantralaya, which focused on various transport-related issues.
Key topics discussed included the utilization of the Road Safety Fund, complaints regarding fare refusals by auto-rickshaws and metered taxis, online transfer policies in the Motor Vehicles Department, and advertising strategies for the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).
Addressing the gathering, Minister Sarnaik called for widespread public awareness campaigns on road safety. He recommended appointing a brand ambassador for the cause, installing directional signboards on all roads, and ensuring proper road markings such as zebra crossings.
To enhance MSRTC’s revenue, the minister directed the drafting of a comprehensive advertising policy and exploring revenue generation through parcel services. He also suggested the corporation consider projects like cold storage facilities to boost income.
Additionally, future MSRTC bus shelters should be built as enclosed structures to protect passengers from harsh weather conditions. The possibility of constructing these shelters under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model should also be explored, he added.
Minister Sarnaik also announced that all meter rickshaws will soon be required to install indicators. He acknowledged the employment potential in the bike taxi sector and mentioned that reforms will be made to support its growth.
Regarding staff transfers in the Motor Vehicles Department, Sarnaik insisted that the online transfer policy must be inclusive. He also suggested studying online transfer policies implemented in other government departments for guidance.
The meeting was attended by Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar, Deputy Secretary Rajendra Holkar, MSRTC officials including Mr. Deshmukh, and other concerned authorities.
