Special MSRTC cell mooted to pitch in during rail emergencies

Special cell comprising depot managers in different parts of the state would be authorised to take a decision to ply more bus services in case of emergencies

Maharashtra government is mulling a proposal to constitute a special cell in the state road transport corporation to ply additional buses in case of emergencies like today's disruption of suburban train services. Transport Minister Diwakar Raote said that the special cell comprising depot managers in different parts of the state would be authorised to take a decision to ply additional bus services in case of emergencies.

"All powers to decide on bus services to help stranded passengers will be taken by the special cell," Raote said.

Giving an example of today's disruption of suburban train services on Central Railway, Raote said 60 to 70 buses belonging to Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) brought stranded passengers at Diva to Thane.

"MSTRC authorities in Thane visited the spot in Diva and took decisions on the number of buses and routes they will ply on to help the passengers," he said.

At present, there are standing instructions for municipal corporations and state-owned transport corporation to ply bus services in their jurisdiction for helping passengers after request from authorities concerned. The Minister also said the high-handedness of auto and taxi drivers in such emergency situations will not be tolerated. "If complaints of auto and taxi drivers charging exorbitant rates is brought to our notice, steps would be taken to cancel the license of the drivers," he added.