In the last year, 131 accidents have occurred involving the Shivsahi buses which are owned by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).
Moreover, at least five people have been killed and 126 injured in these accidents. Back in 2017, the MSRTC had introduced these buses. However, from April 2018 to March 2019, there were about 221 accidents involving these buses. The number was 240 the previous year. Meanwhile, at present ST has a fleet of 900 owned buses and 400 leased buses.
According to sources, accidents like speeding, overtaking, etc. have been reported from the very beginning. While driving Shivshahi, ST drivers were facing problems from the very beginning. This raised a big question about driver training. Therefore, the corporation has started training the drivers of these buses in phases since they came into service.
Furthermore, the contractors supplying Shivshahi buses on lease have also been instructed to provide new drivers on the return journey.
On the other hand, due to the hike in prices of petrol and diesel, the fares of the MSRTC are likely to go up as well. Meanwhile, the MSRTC has prepared a proposal for the same. According to sources, the increase in prices of diesel rates has put an additional burden of INR 120-140 crores per month on the MSRTC. Back in June 2018, MSRTC had hiked the fares by 18 per cent. Now that the fare will go up again, there is a possibility of a big increase in ticket prices.
ALSO READ: Ganeshotsav 2021: MSRTC to run 2,200 extra buses to Konkan
Share
Tweet
