If everything goes well, toll on MSRTC (ST) buses would be withdrawn. Even compensation on accidents would be increased from Rs3 lakh to Rs5 lakh. This was revealed by transport minister Divakar Rawte during his recent visit to MSRTC's headquarters at Mumbai Central.
Accompanied by acting managing director of MSRTC Mahesh Zagade, while taking stock of the state transport agency's working, Rawte said: "I have met central transport minister Nitin Gadkari and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and apprised them of MSRTC's financial status. I told them that there's a need to withdraw toll tax on ST buses."
It may be noted that with the dissolution of the MSRTC board on December 23 last year, the decisions taken by it have also been cancelled.
"There was a positive atmosphere during the meeting and we are optimistic that the toll on ST buses would be withdrawn. However, there are several departments of state and central governments which need to be consulted on this matter," said Rawte.
Rawte added that MSRTC spends around Rs2,500 crore per annum on fuel. "We are planning to use solar power to run ST buses. We are also contemplating on the use of ethanol which is manufactured in the sugar mills of Maharashtra. We are also planning to use CNG buses on the Mumbai-Pune route," he added.
The minister also revealed that the government is planning to increase compensation for accident victims. "The number of accidents in the past four
to five years have been just 450 to 500. Considering that ratio, we are discussing and planning to increase the compensation from Rs3 lakh to Rs5 lakh."
Ashok Datar, a transport expert, said" "It is a good move provided the government implements it. If toll is waived on ST buses, then ticket fares would come down automatically. It's a mass public transport, and if it is reasonably priced, then more and more people will use it."
Attempts to contact Zagade proved futile as he was away from office to attend some function.
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