Fadnavis pauses predecessor’s decision to ply rented state buses: Sources​on January 3, 2025 at 12:03 am

Fadnavis pauses predecessor’s decision to ply rented state buses: Sources

​Fadnavis pauses predecessor’s decision to ply rented state buses: Sources Fadnavis pauses predecessor’s decision to ply rented state buses: Sources   

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stayed the decision of the previous Eknath Shinde-led state government to hire buses on rent for the state’s transport corporation after the Opposition alleged corruption in the process, sources told India Today TV.

In the previous government, the transport department was headed by the then-chief minister, Eknath Shinde. In September 2024, Siv Sena MLA Bharat Gogawale was appointed the chief of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation and in December it issued a letter of interest (LOIs) to three private companies under the bus-on-rent scheme.

Speaking on the development, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Maharashtra Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve said, “In 2022, MSRTC hired buses at Rs44 per km, fuel cost included. In the new decision. A letter of intent (LoI) to three private companies for the hiring of 1,310 buses, at Rs 34.70 to Rs 35.10 per km, excluding the cost of fuel. If Rs 22 per km, the cost of each bus is taken into account, then each bus would be Rs 56 to Rs 57 per km. This would be Rs12-13 more than the previous contract. This is a scam.”

“We have read reports about the hiring of buses stayed by the Chief Minister, but there is no confirmation,” Danve added.

Responding to a review of decisions made by the Shinde government, Revenue Minister and state BJP chief, Chandrashekar Bawankule said, “Many decisions are taken without the knowledge of top leadership. Devendra Fadnavis will not stop any projects. But there is no harm in reviewing projects. If there are some shortcomings in the decision, it will come to light. If not, the project will get a green light.”