The court also told the state government to ensure strict compliance of motor vehicle rules, which prevented parking of any private transport operators within 200 meters of state transport depots/stands.
The Bombay High Court (HC) on Monday suggested that the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) take up a pilot project to modernise bus depots by providing Wi-Fi services, better toilets and private canteens to attract passengers to travel with them.
A division bench of justices Naresh Patil and A Sayed said, “If you provide these facilities, then you (MSRTC) will generate revenue, which will reduce the mounting loss of the corporation.” The court said that the buses were not clean and toilets were in pathetic condition. These things dissuaded passengers from travelling with the state transport, the court added.
The court also told the state government to ensure strict compliance of motor vehicle rules, which prevented parking of any private transport operators within 200 meters of state transport depots/stands. “Ensure such vehicles are moved out,” the court said, adding that the government should check licences and permits of private vehicle owners.
The court has asked for details of road accidents that took place last year. Referring to the details of action taken by the state government on illegal private transport operators, the court said, “Create awareness among passengers, print handbills and put up posters making people aware that travelling in illegal private transports can be harmful... Passengers' interest is self interest and if s/he is made aware of the harmful effects of travelling in private transport and benefits of travelling in state transport buses, then they will surely opt for the latter,” the bench said.
The court also told the government to keep a check on heavy vehicles plying on expressways, blocking smooth flow of traffic by moving slow on high-speed lanes. Scientific ways like installation of CCTV cameras, which would capture movement of heavy vehicles, should be explored, the court said, adding that errant drivers should be flagged down at the next stop, made aware of it and fined.
“Within eight days of taking such measures, things will improve on expressways. This will not only help ease traffic but also reduce pollution,” said the court.
These suggestions were made during a hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Datta Mane. The PIL stated that in 2001, the Aurangabad bench of the high court had passed an order directing action against illegal private operators, yet no action had been taken.
The petition alleged that in rural areas, private jeeps and mini-buses operated, thereby eating into the business of MSRTC. These illegal private operators parked their vehicles near stops earmarked for ST buses, which was not allowed under the Motor Vehicles Act. However, the authorities had failed to implement the rules and thus the corporation was suffering, the petition said.
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