ST will modernize bus stands and buses : Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik

Mumbai – Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Tuesday said that the state bus stations will soon be upgraded with modern facilities. Sarnaik said that the State Government is focusing on upgrading bus stations with modern facilities through the “Build, Operate, Transfer” (BOT) model. The state transport minister made the announcement while highlighting the development of bus stations in Sindhudurg, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Jalgaon districts of Maharashtra.

Sarnaik stated that the “Build, Operate, Transfer” model would be used to enhance transport facilities in cities, towns, and rural areas. Bus stations in Sindhudurg, including Sawantwadi, Dodamarg, and Amboli, will be developed under this model. Former Minister Deepak Kesarkar suggested that the Amboli bus station, being a major tourist destination, should be upgraded with modern facilities, the statement said.

“The State Government aims to improve bus stations across Maharashtra with better infrastructure and services for the convenience of travellers. ST Corporation has 1,360 hectares of land in 842 places in the state. This land has been classified into three groups – urban, semi-urban and rural”, said Sarnaik.

ST Corporation will get 2,640 new vehicles

Currently, all the old buses of the S.T. Corporation are going to be scrapped. 2,640 new buses will be purchased. In this, modern, air-conditioned sleeper coaches will be purchased for long-distance travel, the Transport Minister also said.

CCTV cameras will be installed in the new buses

‘For the safety of women passengers, an emergency ‘panic button’ will be installed in the buses. Along with installing ‘CCTV cameras’ at every bus stop and in new buses, the number of security guards will be increased,’ said Pratap Sarnaik.

ST Employees will be paid by the 7th of every month

‘Due to financial difficulties, the full salary of the S.T. employees for the month of March could not be paid. As the chairman of the corporation, I will personally meet the officials of the finance department and request them to pay the salaries on time, leaving aside the royal protocol. Henceforth, S.T. “The salaries of the employees will be deposited into their bank  account on the 7th of every month,” Pratap Sarnaik also said.