The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will soon launch a government-operated ride-aggregator app called ‘Chhava Ride’. Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik made the announcement during a high-level meeting held at Mantralaya on Tuesday, August 5.
The new app will provide passengers with reliable and safe transport and fair pay for drivers. It will also offer employment opportunities to Marathi youth. The app will include services such as buses, taxis, rickshaws, and electric buses.
The app is being developed under the Aggregator Policy guidelines set by both the central and state governments. Multiple names were suggested for the app, including “Jai Maharashtra”, “Maha-Ride”, “Maha-Yatri”, and “Maha-Go”. However, the name “Chhava Ride” was finalised.
Minister Sarnaik said the app would be launched soon after final approval from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.
The minister added that the government wants to reduce the influence of private aggregators that charge high commissions and exploit both drivers and passengers. He said that MSRTC already has the staff, space, technology, and infrastructure to manage the app. He added that the app will benefit both passengers and the transport corporation.
He also said that the framework for the app is almost ready. Senior officials who attended the meeting included MSRTC Managing Director Madhav Kusekar, Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar, Additional Chief Secretary of the Transport Department Sanjay Sethi, and others.
Furthermore, MSRTC Vice-Chairman MLA Pravin Darekar announced that Mumbai Bank will offer vehicle loans to unemployed Marathi youth who get jobs through the app. These loans will carry a 10% interest rate. The government will also provide an 11% interest subsidy through organisations like Annasaheb Economic Development Corporation, VJNT Corporation, OBC Corporation, and MSDC. This will make the loans effectively interest-free.
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