MSRTC Reports Rs 16 Cr Profit in August; Marks First Profit in 9 Years

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has achieved a financial turnaround, reporting its first profit in nine years. Officials announced on Thursday that MSRTC recorded a profit of Rs 16.86 crore in August. This marks a significant recovery after facing financial difficulties over the past five to six years.

Operational Changes and Efficiency

The turnaround was largely due to strategic changes in operations. MSRTC discontinued bus services on loss-making routes and redirected them to routes with higher passenger demand. This optimisation of operations resulted in 20 out of 31 divisions reporting profits, according to an MSRTC release.

Reduction in Non-Operational Buses

Another key factor was the reduction in the percentage of non-operational buses. The number of non-operational buses was halved from 12 per cent to 6 per cent compared to the previous year. This improvement contributed significantly to the overall efficiency and profitability of the corporation.

Training and Fuel Efficiency

Regular training sessions for drivers and mechanics also played a crucial role. These sessions led to a 0.52 km increase in diesel efficiency, resulting in substantial fuel savings. The combined efforts in various areas culminated in the reported profit for August.

Impact of COVID-19 and Employee Strike

MSRTC faced numerous challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including a prolonged strike by employees. Despite these hurdles, the introduction of schemes such as free travel for senior citizens and a 50 percent concession for women helped increase ridership to 54 lakh passengers per day.

Initiatives and Campaigns

The corporation also implemented several initiatives aimed at improving services and facilities. These included the Hinduhridayasamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Clean and Beautiful Bus Station Campaign and the Student Pass scheme. These initiatives contributed to enhancing the overall experience for passengers.

MSRTC chairman-managing director Dr Madhav Kushekar congratulated employees and officers for their efforts. He expressed confidence that the corporation will continue to report profits in the future, building on this positive momentum.

The concerted efforts by MSRTC have not only led to financial recovery but also improved operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction. The corporation's strategic changes and initiatives have set a strong foundation for sustained profitability moving forward.