Maharashtra : First ST conductor Laxman Kevate dies at 99

Pune Pulse
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Pune: Laxman Kevate (99), the bus conductor of the inaugural State Transport (ST) bus on the Pune-Ahmednagar route passed away on Wednesday night  at his residence in the Maliwada area of Ahmednagar.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed his condolences in a tweet, recognizing Kevate’s significant contribution to the history of the ST. “Although the life journey of Kevate, who started the journey of ST, has stopped, his work will be remembered forever in the history of ST.”

According to the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) officials, Kevate started his career with the ST on June 1, 1948, when the service was launched in Maharashtra state. He served the state-run corporation for 36 years until his retirement on April 30, 1984. Despite retiring, Kevate remained actively involved in the corporation’s activities until recently.

MSRTC’s Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Shekhar Channe, also expressed grief over Kevate’s passing, emphasising that his legacy and blessings would continue to inspire the organisation.

Channe said, “The voice that narrated the birth of ST has now merged with eternity. His benevolent wishes and blessings continue to inspire us.”