Picture this: you board an E-Shivneri bus, and instead of just finding your seat, you are greeted by a friendly attendant, a "Shivneri Sundari," much like an air hostess.
Passengers traveling between Mumbai and Pune on the E-Shivneri buses are about to experience the same warmth and care that they would find aboard a flight, all while cruising along the highways. Thanks to the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation's (MSRTC) new "Shivneri Sundari" service, that dream is a reality.
This initiative aims to provide passengers with top-notch hospitality services akin to air travel, without adding any additional charges to their tickets.
This decision was made during the 304th board of directors' meeting, held under the leadership of Bharat Gogawale, the newly appointed Chairman of the MSRTC. During the meeting, over 70 important topics were discussed and approved, including the deployment of Sundari (attendants) on the E-Shivneri buses.
Another significant initiative revealed in the meeting was the establishment of "Anand Arogya Kendras" (Anand Health Centers) at 343 ST bus stations across the state.
These health centers, named in memory of the late Anand Dighe and conceptualized by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, will offer passengers and local residents a range of healthcare services, including diagnostic tests and medicines, at affordable rates.
The healthcare centers will be set up on bus station premises, with 400 to 500 square centimeters of space allocated for clinics, pathology labs, and pharmacies, providing a one-stop solution for medical needs.
The MSRTC also announced plans to expand its operations in tribal-dominated areas, with new depots to be constructed in Mul (Chandrapur district) and Dharni (Amravati district). With these additions, the total number of ST depots in the state will increase to 253.
To further support local communities, the ST Corporation will provide 10x10 stalls at bus stations for women's self-help groups to sell traditional and regional food items.
These stalls will be offered at minimal rent on a rotational basis, giving these groups a platform to promote their products and earn income.
In terms of fleet expansion, the board approved the procurement of 2,500 new buses and the pilot project to convert 100 diesel buses into electric ones.
The meeting was attended by ST Corporation Vice Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Madhav Kusekar, Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar, and other key officials from various departments.