Pune: MSRTC Bus Stations Lack Basic Safety And Hygiene, Reveals Report
Pune: MSRTC Bus Stations Lack Basic Safety And Hygiene, Reveals Report
Pune, June 3, 2025 – A new report by the Shiv Sena’s women’s wing has raised serious concerns over the lack of safety, hygiene, and accessibility at Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus stations, especially for women, children, senior citizens, and people with disabilities.
Prompted by the horrific rape of a woman inside a bus at Pune’s Swargate MSRTC stand earlier this year, Shiv Sena MLC Dr. Manisha Kayande and deputy leader Sheetal Mhatre conducted a month-long survey across 87 ST bus stations in 20 districts of Maharashtra. The findings were submitted on Saturday to Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, with a strong demand for immediate reforms.
Critical Safety and Infrastructure Lapses
The survey, carried out between February 5 and March 5, included surprise inspections focusing on women’s toilets, “Hirkani” rooms (rest areas for women), drinking water facilities, lighting, security, CCTV coverage, and police patrolling.
E toilets to come up at MSRTC bus stands :
Pratap Sarnaik said that we have approached our fuel vendors to adopt and help us support through CSR funds to build up early toilets at MSRTC bus stands in Maharashtra.
The findings revealed:
Poor sanitation: Many stations lacked clean and functional toilets for women passengers and female staff.
Lack of nursing rooms: No proper facilities exist for lactating mothers at most depots.
Unsafe workplaces for women staff: Several bus stations do not have secure restrooms or office areas for female employees.
No grievance redressal: Internal committees for handling workplace harassment complaints were absent.
No visible awareness signage regarding harassment laws and women’s rights.
Accessibility and Security Concerns
The report also highlighted serious concerns about infrastructure for disabled passengers, including the absence of ramps and hand railings. Clean drinking water was unavailable at many locations, with non-functional or unhygienic purifiers in some depots.
Additionally, poor lighting at night made several bus stands unsafe. There was a notable shortage of security personnel and insufficient police patrolling, despite heavy footfall. CCTV coverage was found to be limited, further compromising passenger safety.
Government Response
Dr. Kayande confirmed that a formal letter has also been submitted to transport department officials, urging urgent action to address these concerns.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik acknowledged the report and said, “We are inviting tenders for the construction of new toilets. The report will be reviewed in detail, and appropriate measures will be taken.”
The Shiv Sena Mahila Aghadi has called for immediate government intervention to address these systemic gaps and ensure that MSRTC stations become safer and more inclusive for all passengers.
