Maharashtra releases Rs 391 crore to MSRTC so staff are paid salaries before Diwali

The Maharashtra government has sanctioned Rs 391.02 crore to the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). The amount is being given as reimbursement for the passenger concession schemes run in September 2026. The government order releasing the money was issued on October 27. This clears the way for employees to be paid their salaries before Diwali.

MSRTC employees usually receive their salaries between the 7th and 10th of every month. This year Diwali begins on November 6. Transport Minister and MSRTC chairman Pratap Sarnaik therefore directed the corporation's administration to complete the salary process quickly, so that employees get their pay before the festival.

Following the minister's instructions, the Transport Department and the MSRTC administration pursued the release of funds with the state government, so that there would be no hurdle in making the payment.

The Rs 391.02 crore sanctioned is for reimbursement of the passenger concession schemes operated by MSRTC. These include the Mahila Samman Yojana for women passengers and the fare concession given to senior citizens.

The financial burden of these schemes falls on the corporation. Timely reimbursement from the state government is therefore necessary to keep cash flow steady and day-to-day expenses covered. Although the funds have been sanctioned, when salaries reach employees' accounts will depend on the corporation completing its payment process.

Sarnaik said the decision is an important step towards keeping the government's promise to employees. He asked the MSRTC administration to complete the salary disbursal quickly.

Sarnaik said, "MSRTC is not just a transport service, it is an important part of the lives of lakhs of people in Maharashtra. The officers and employees who run this service round the clock are the real strength of the corporation. We sincerely want their families to celebrate Diwali happily. The government has taken an important decision towards fulfilling the promise of paying employees their salaries before Diwali. Now the MSRTC administration should complete the salary disbursal process immediately."

The release of funds is expected to bring financial relief to the corporation, as it prepares to pay salaries before the festival.

Meanwhile, MSRTC's income in August rose by Rs 66 crore over July. Changes in bus timings and services made according to passenger demand helped this improvement.