Dirty toilets at bus stations will make MSRTC controllers accountable, says Transport Minister Sarnaik

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Thursday issued a clear warning that department controllers will be held directly responsible if toilets at Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus stations are found dirty, according to an official statement.

Sarnaik said providing passengers with clean, healthy and hygienic toilets is a basic responsibility of the corporation. Negligence in this will not be tolerated, he said.

He was speaking at a review meeting on cleanliness held at the MSRTC headquarters in Mumbai. Senior heads of departments, regional managers and department controllers were present.

The minister reminded the meeting that MSRTC charges passengers a surcharge of Rs 2 in the name of cleanliness, so passengers have a right to basic cleanliness facilities in return. "At the very least, passengers should get basic cleanliness facilities in return for the surcharge they pay. It is our duty to meet their reasonable expectations," Sarnaik said.

He also said dirty toilets at bus stations directly affect the public image of MSRTC. He stressed that no negligence in cleanliness would be accepted.

The transport minister directed officials to inspect toilets at bus stations regularly and ensure that cleanliness is maintained at all times.

He also told officials to make sure that the contractors responsible for maintaining the facilities carry out cleaning work properly, as per the terms of their contracts.

Sarnaik said officials cannot shift the entire responsibility onto contractors. They must themselves keep watch on the cleanliness of bus stations in their areas. He warned, "If we are unable to provide clean facilities to passengers, the department controllers concerned will be accountable."

According to the minister, MSRTC plays an important role in the everyday life of ordinary people, and its responsibility is not limited to providing a safe and comfortable journey.

He stressed that clean bus stations and hygienic facilities for passengers are equally important. He asked the administration to be more sensitive to the needs of passengers.

Finally, the minister reiterated that negligence in cleanliness will not be accepted and asked officials to ensure that passengers get the facilities they are entitled to.