Recently, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has started levying a ₹2 cleanliness surcharge on all bus tickets from April 15. The move is aimed at improving hygiene at bus stands and on state transport buses. Read on to know more.
MSRTC To Charge ₹2 Cleanliness Surcharge
As per a report by the Indian Express, the charge will be applicable across the state’s bus network and will fund a dedicated sanitation agency to be appointed through a tender process. Talking about the same, Pune divisional controller Arun Siya confirmed the development to the portal and added that the surcharge applies broadly, including to senior citizens who are exempted from the ticket fare otherwise. He told the news portal that the cleanliness surcharge of ₹2 has been enforced on passengers since April 15. While senior citizens will need to pay the surcharge, students are free from it.
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He further explained the operational mechanism behind the move. Through the tender process, a private agency will be hired and given the responsibility of cleaning ST stands after every four hours. The buses will need to be cleaned before departure. The funds collected through the cleanliness charge will be used solely for this purpose. Earlier, some public toilets were maintained by Sulabh International and other agencies, but the tender process will make the sanitation responsibilities uniform. He also said that there are around 350 ST bus stands across Maharashtra, out of which 48 are in the Pune division alone.
Free Library Setup, Toilets & More
While the reason behind the increase in the ticket fare has drawn acknowledgement, opinions among commuters are divided. While some appreciate the initiative, others are finding it unreasonable. As per reports, Arun informed the portal that from June 1, passengers will have free access to toilet facilities at all state bus stands. And new library setups have been sanctioned at the Saswad and Baramati bus stands, where passengers can easily access books free of cost while they wait for the bus.
Additionally, the state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that all MSRTC canteens across the state will offer tea and breakfast for ₹40 starting June 1, 2026. The initiative is intended to make meals accessible to daily commuters, particularly those from weaker economic backgrounds.
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FAQs
What is the full form of MSRTC?
The full form of MSRTC is Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation.
Who is the owner of MSRTC?
The Government of Maharashtra is the owner of MSRTC.
How many employees does MSRTC have?
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has a massive workforce, totaling nearly 104,000 employees