Mumbai: Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has announced plans to bring private passenger transport services providers, including Uber and Rapido, under a unified regulatory framework. This initiative seeks to streamline operations, improve passenger safety, and address licensing and traffic-related concerns.
The announcement was made during a high-level meeting at the Mantralaya on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary of Transport Sanjay Sethi, Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar, MSRTC Vice Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Madhav Kusekar, and representatives from transport companies via video conferencing.
Minister Sarnaik emphasized the need for a transparent grievance redressal mechanism and the integration of transport services under a single policy aligned with central government guidelines.
The framework will address issues such as passenger safety, carpooling, and the promotion of women drivers in bike passenger services to boost employment opportunities. Transport service providers will also be required to implement robust security measures to ensure passenger safety.
Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar proposed reforms including vehicle safety, mandatory helmet usage, protection for women drivers, and zero-commission services as part of the new policy.
Healthcare Facilities for MSRTC Employees
In a separate initiative, Minister Sarnaik announced plans to establish 25-bed hospitals in every district and a 100-bed hospital in Borivali, Mumbai, exclusively for Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) employees.
These hospitals will be developed under the "Build, Operate, and Transfer" model and will provide cashless treatment to employees and their families under the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana. The state government will cover surgical expenses of up to ₹5 lakh, reducing the financial burden on employees seeking private healthcare.
Presentations were made on ongoing hospital projects in Pune, Kolhapur, Pusad, and Washim. The initiative aims to offer comprehensive medical support and improve the overall well-being of MSRTC employees and their families.
These developments underline the Maharashtra government’s commitment to enhancing transport services and ensuring better healthcare for its workforce.
