Ahead of Assembly polls, MSRTC withdraws passenger fare hike move for Deepavali season

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has decided to cancel the proposed 10% fare hike that was set to take place during the Deepavali season. This decision comes as a relief to passengers who will be traveling in State transport buses during the festive season. The cancellation was announced ahead of the Assembly elections and coincides with an exemption from toll payments for light motor vehicles entering Mumbai. The fare hike was expected to generate revenue of ₹70 crore to ₹80 crore for the cash-strapped transport body. MSRTC traditionally raises fares by 10% during the festive season, but this year’s proposal was rejected by the State Secretariat. The cancellation will put a financial burden on MSRTC as it has to pay ₹40 crore in bonuses to eligible employees. Last Deepavali, MSRTC implemented a 10% fare hike due to increased demand for State transport buses. MSRTC is one of the largest transport corporations in India, operating a fleet of 15,000 buses and transporting over 55 lakh people daily.