Pune-Solapur Highway: Pratap Sarnaik Conducts Surprise Checks On MSRTC Approved Hotels, Bus Stands, Promises Action On Dirty Toilets, Illegal Halts
Pune-Solapur Highway: Pratap Sarnaik Conducts Surprise Checks On MSRTC Approved Hotels, Bus Stands, Promises Action On Dirty Toilets, Illegal Halts
Pune, June 11, 2025 – During his visit to Pandharpur, Maharashtra’s Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik made a surprise inspection of MSRTC-approved hotel halts along the Pune-Solapur highway. He interacted with passengers and MSRTC staff, inquiring whether the food served was fresh, reasonably priced, and if the official breakfast scheme was being implemented properly. He also personally inspected the restroom facilities at the stops.
Women passengers lodged complaints about poor sanitation in the restrooms, prompting immediate action. Minister Sarnaik directed the concerned hotel owners to repair and clean the restrooms without delay. He also instructed that other deficiencies be addressed within a stipulated timeframe, warning that failure to comply would result in cancellation of the hotel’s halt status. Furthermore, Sarnaik instructed the divisional controller of the Pune region—under whose jurisdiction these stops fall—to resolve all issues at these hotel halts within a month.
Action on Unauthorized Halts
At Bhigwan, the minister noticed several MSRTC buses halting at unauthorized hotels. Upon inspection, he found that meals were being served in unhygienic conditions. Expressing strong displeasure, he directed MSRTC officials to take strict action against drivers and conductors who stop at unauthorized locations.
New Bus Stand for Bhigwan Soon
Minister Sarnaik also visited the Bhigwan bus stand, where locals raised concerns about poor infrastructure. Due to the highway expansion, the bus stand is now located in a low-lying area, causing severe waterlogging during monsoon. Residents also complained about filthy and inadequate restrooms.
Responding swiftly, the minister contacted Dinesh Mahajan, GM of MSRTC Construction Department, and directed that tendering for a new, well-equipped bus stand at Bhigwan be issued soon. This has raised hopes among locals that a new bus station will be constructed shortly.
