MSRTC Strike Hampers Ganesh Festival Travel Plans

A significant strike by Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) employees on Tuesday disrupted services, affecting Ganesh festival celebrations. The employees demand salary parity with state government counterparts. The strike has impacted 50% of bus operations, leading to an estimated revenue loss of Rs 14-15 crore on the first day. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has appealed for resolution through dialogue.

A major disruption hit Maharashtra's transport sector on Tuesday as Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) employees launched a strike over salary hikes, severely affecting services ahead of the Ganesh festival. Thousands of passengers were stranded as employees called for salary parity with state government workers.

The strike, led by the MSRTC's 11 trade unions, began at midnight, completely halting services at 59 depots and partially affecting 77 others, leaving only 115 depots operational. The MSRTC spokesperson confirmed the disruptions, stressing the urgent need for resolution.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who also holds the transport portfolio, appealed to striking employees to discontinue their protest, emphasizing the importance of the Ganesh festival period. A meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday evening to address these demands through negotiation, after an initial meeting with Industries Minister Uday Samant failed to reach a conclusion.

(With inputs from agencies.)