Modern fleet of 100 ‘Midi’ buses for Adivasi padas

New State Road Transport Corporation plan for tribal regions

Mumbai – The State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) had earlier extended its services to rural areas under the scheme, “Where there is a village, there is an ST bus.” Now, on similar lines, it has announced a new initiative: “Where there is an Adivasi pada, there will be an ST bus.” This information was provided by State Transport Minister and SRTC President Prataprao Sarnaik. To implement the plan, SRTC will procure 100 modern ‘Midi’ buses.

At present, nearly 93 per cent of the population is connected to the ST bus network. However, remote regions such as the valleys of the Sahyadri ranges and Melghat still lack dedicated transport services, leaving many Adivasi padas disconnected from the mainstream of development. Large buses are unable to operate in these difficult terrains. As a result, Adivasis living in such areas must walk long distances even for basic necessities such as education, healthcare and employment. Taking note of these hardships, SRTC has decided to introduce ‘Midi’ buses that can operate directly up to Adivasi padas.

What is a ‘Midi’ bus ?

Large buses typically have a seating capacity of over 40 passengers, while mini buses accommodate around 10 to 15 passengers. A ‘Midi’ bus falls between the two, with a seating capacity ranging from approximately 18 to 35 passengers. The 100 modern midi buses to be procured by SRTC will be nine metres long and will be named after Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar. These buses will be well-suited for narrow roads, steep ascents and descents, and winding ghat sections with sharp curves.

Resolve to deliver development to every Adivasi pada – Prataprao Sarnaik, State Transport Minister

The iconic ‘Lalpari’ buses of SRTC are not merely a mode of transport but instruments of social transformation. Soon, the sound of ST bus horns will echo through the quiet hills and valleys. That sound will symbolise development, equality and opportunity. Through these midi buses, Adivasis residing in remote areas will be connected to the rest of Maharashtra. It is our firm resolve to ensure that the stream of development reaches every Adivasi pada.