Free toilet facility at MSRTC bus stands across state from June 1, says Maharashtra transport minister Pratap Sarnaik

Kolhapur: Transport minister Pratap Sarnaik on Friday announced that toilet facilities at all Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus stands across the state would be made completely free for passengers starting June 1 — the foundation day of MSRTC.Sarnaik said MSRTC already collected a "cleanliness cess" through bus fares and would now utilise those funds directly. "As a result, the current system of outsourcing toilet maintenance to private contractors will be discontinued, with MSRTC taking full responsibility for the operation and upkeep of restroom facilities," he said, while addressing the media during his visit to Kolhapur.The minister also announced that state govt had decided to induct 8,000 new buses into MSRTC fleet. The addition will be carried out in phases, with special emphasis on strengthening services in rural and remote areas. "Govt is committed to replacing old buses with modern, safe and comfortable ones and that the new buses would be allocated to districts gradually," he said.Speaking on MSRTC's financial condition, the minister said losses were not new to the transport utility. "MSRTC has always been running in losses. State govt's intention is to operate it on a no-profit, no-loss basis. No state transport corporation in the country is running in profit, as public transport is essentially a service to the people," Sarnaik said.Responding to the controversy surrounding the proposed Marathi language requirement for obtaining rickshaw permits from May 1, the minister dismissed claims of a language dispute. "There is no language controversy. Anyone who wants to do business in Maharashtra or drives a rickshaw or taxi here must know Marathi," he said.He said rules framed by state govt in 2019 already mandated that applicants for autorickshaw and taxi driver badges declared their ability to converse in Marathi. "If a passenger speaks in Marathi, the driver must understand and communicate in Marathi. There is no alternative. Therefore, knowing and speaking Marathi is mandatory for operating a rickshaw or taxi in Maharashtra," Sarnaik said.The minister was in Kolhapur to inaugurate four newly constructed bus stands at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Peth Vadgaon, Jaysingpur and Wathar. During his visit to the Central Bus Stand, Sarnaik carried out a detailed inspection of the restrooms, canteen, ‘Hirkani Kaksha' (nursing room) and passenger waiting areas.He told MSRTC officials that cleanliness should not be limited to the duration of ministerial visits. To ensure sustained hygiene, Sarnaik directed that cleaning operations be conducted every four hours on a permanent basis. The minister also expressed displeasure after discovering that the scheme offering tea and breakfast to needy passengers for Rs 30 at bus stand canteens existed only on paper. During the inspection, it was found that food prices were concealed by covering the rate board with adhesive tape. Sarnaik reprimanded the MSRTC officials and the canteen operator for the lapse."Serving tea and breakfast for Rs 30 is mandatory, considering the high prices being charged at bus stand canteens. Strict action will be taken against operators who fail to follow this rule. Do not try to deceive ministers by hiding rates with adhesive tape or by offering flower bouquets," he said.During the Kolhapur visit, Sarnaik also paid his respects at the Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur city and the Datta Temple at Nrusinhwadi in the district.