Exchequer burdened as Maharashtra Government extends more travel rebates

With elections round the corner, the state government has gone all out distributing SOPs of free travel and concessions. This, however, is adding an extra burden of Rs 1,800 crore on the already debt ridden Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation. At present, the MSRTC is running at a loss of Rs 2,300 crore.

The state Cabinet on Tuesday gave a nod for extending free pass facility and concessions in journeys to students and senior citizens. A total of 2.18 crore beneficiaries will be provided with a smart card to avail the concessions.

The free pass facility would be provided to rural girls studying in Classes 5 to 12. Previously this facility was provided only to students till Class 10.

Addressing a press conference at the Mantralaya, Minister for Transport Diwakar Raote informed that with Tuesday's decision, number of rural girl students availing free journey benefits would reach 24 lakh; Until now, 19.54 lakh girl students had been benefiting from it. The decision is going to cost the government an additional Rs 44 crore.

Senior citizens can now avail 45 per cent concession in air-conditioned Shiv Shahi buses as well. Previously, senior citizens were provided 50 per cent concession for travel by state transport buses and semi-luxury buses. Cancer and TB patients will also given 75 per cent concession as against the 50 per cent rebate they were getting so far. Patients of sickle-cell anemia, haemophilia, and HIV can travel free of cost.