MSRTC Strike Intensifies Amidst Ganesh Festival Rush

The strike by Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) employees escalated on its second day, directly impacting Ganesh festival travelers. With numerous bus depots shut down, the administration plans to hire contract drivers to mitigate the disruption. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is intervening to resolve the issue.

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) employees' strike for salary hike and other demands entered its second day on Wednesday, significantly affecting passengers, particularly ahead of the Ganesh festival.

Seeking to minimize the impact of the strike, the MSRTC administration is considering hiring drivers on a contract basis, officials revealed. The employees are demanding salary parity with state government workers and a pay scale adjustment. The strike, initiated by the action committee of 11 trade unions, has led to the complete shutdown of 96 out of the 251 bus depots, with 82 more partially shut.

Officials noted a rapid spread of the strike across the Marathwada and North Maharashtra regions. However, premium services like the Mumbai-Pune e-Shivneri bus remain unaffected. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has scheduled a meeting with union leaders to address the deadlock.

The industrial court has declared the strike illegal, urging employees to return to work, and the corporation has instructed local authorities to file FIRs against those obstructing others from resuming duties.

(With inputs from agencies.)