Free State Transport buses to begin their repatriation services from May 11

Free Maharashtra State Transport Board (ST) buses begin their services from Monday, May 11, 2020, for repatriation of students, labourers, employees and commuters who are stranded across the state due to the lockdown. Minister of State for Transport, Anil Parab, shared this announcement while interacting with the public through Facebook Live.

While the government was making arrangements for the expatriates to leave the state on a priority basis, they were expressing their displeasure as there was no arrangement for the stranded locals in Maharashtra. Against this backdrop, the government has taken steps to finally pave the way for locals to travel.

As per reports, a list of only 22 people going to the same district or village will have to be compiled and handed over to the police station, the villagers will have to hand over the list to the District Collector or Tehsildar. Details like their mobile number, Aadhaar card, information about which district in the state they want to go to, will have to be written. Officials have also appealed that no one should rush to the Thane, District Collector or Tehsil office to get permission.

The police or the collector will then inform them about the journey and a state transport bus will be arranged. Only 22 passengers will be allowed on the ST and there will only be one passenger on each seat. Further, it is mandatory for passengers to wear masks, basis which they will have access to the ST. The buses will be completely disinfected before and after the trip. Upon reaching the destination, the decision to check the passengers or not will be taken by the concerned nodal officer.

Citizens of containment zones in Mumbai and Pune will not be able to travel by this bus and private travel by their own vehicle will be allowed. Moreover, these services will continue till May 18, and officials will take further decisions as per the orders from the State Government. 

An online portal for registration of these ST buses has been launched from Monday, May 11, 2020, and passengers can also register through this online portal.