Latest news with #ChhavaRide
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
State to launch ‘Chhava Ride' app to counter pvt transport aggregators
PUNE: The state government is all set to launch an app to ensure both a safe journey for passengers and respectable remuneration for drivers; transport minister and Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) chairman Pratap Sarnaik said at a meeting held on Tuesday with regard to the final draft of this app, which is being developed under the central and state governments' aggregator policy. Mumbai, India - February 20, 2023: BSS (Shinde faction) MLAs Sanjay Shirsat, Pratap Sarnaik and Sada Sarvankar speak to the media after taking control of Shiv Sena's party office, at Vidhan Bhavan, in Mumbai, India, on Monday, February 20, 2023. (Photo by Bhushan Koyande/HT Photo) (HT PHOTO) Furthermore, a consensus was reached on naming the app 'Chhava Ride' with the same expected to be finalised following approval of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. 'Chhava Ride' was selected from among many other contenders such as Jai Maharashtra, Maha-Ride, Maha-Yatri and Maha-Go. Transport Minister Sarnaik said, 'The state government's intention behind developing this app is two-fold: to offer employment opportunities to unemployed Marathi youth, and to break the monopoly of private ride-hailing companies that often exploit both passengers and drivers for excessive profits. The app, based on modern digital infrastructure, will serve multiple categories including buses, rickshaws, taxis, and e-buses.' 'The government aims to empower the youth of Maharashtra with employment while liberating them from the exploitative grip of profit-hungry private companies. The MSRTC will operate this app with support from the state's transport department. It will not only create a new source of income for the MSRTC but also offer a trustworthy and reliable transport service for passengers across Maharashtra,' Sarnaik said. Sarnaik further emphasised that the rulebook for this aggregator app is in its final stages as per the central government's guidelines. He also criticised current private operators, stating that unauthorised apps are generating massive profits while exploiting both drivers and customers. According to Sarnaik, the MSRTC already has the necessary infrastructure, workforce, and technical capability to manage such an app at scale. The high-level meeting was also attended by MLA Pravin Darekar; additional chief secretary of the transport department Sanjay Sethi; transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar; MSRTC vice-chairman and managing director Madhav Kusekar; and other senior officials. Darekar, who also chairs Mumbai Bank, announced that loans will be offered at 10% interest rate through the bank for vehicle purchases to support youth who wish to partner in the app-based transport model. Additionally, efforts are underway to secure government-backed subsidies from various development corporations such as Annasaheb Economic Development Corporation, Denotified and Nomadic Tribes Corporation, OBC Corporation, and the MSDC in the form of an 11% interest return grant which would effectively make the loans interest-free.
News18
5 days ago
- Business
- News18
Maharashtra Set To Launch ‘Chhava Ride' App, Aims To Revolutionise Public Transport
The state-backed app promises affordable, safe, and reliable travel for commuters while creating job opportunities for Marathi youth In a groundbreaking move, the Maharashtra State Transport (ST) Corporation is set to launch its own passenger-friendly mobile application, 'Chhava Ride", aimed at transforming public transportation across the state. Announced by Transport Minister and ST Corporation Chairman Pratap Sarnaik, this state-backed app promises affordable, safe, and reliable travel for commuters while creating job opportunities for Marathi youth. The initiative aligns with the state and central government's aggregator policy, ensuring a modern, technology-driven approach to public transport. During a recent meeting at the Mantralaya, Minister Sarnaik revealed that the app, developed under the guidance of the Transport Department, will cater to buses, rickshaws, taxis, and e-buses. 'Our goal is to free passengers and drivers from the exploitative practices of private companies that prioritise profits over people," Sarnaik said. He emphasised that Chhava Ride will not only provide a trustworthy platform for commuters but also generate a new revenue stream for the ST Corporation, which has long been a symbol of reliability in Maharashtra. The app's name, Chhava Ride, was finalised after discussions involving options like Jai Maharashtra, Maha-Ride, Maha-Yatri, and Maha-Go. The name reflects a sense of pride and identity, resonating with the state's youth. With the final approval pending from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, the app is expected to be operational soon, bringing a seamless booking experience to millions. One of the app's standout features is its commitment to empowering local youth. MLA Pravin Darekar, who attended the meeting, announced that Mumbai Bank will offer financial support to unemployed Marathi youth looking to join the transport sector. Loans at a 10% interest rate will be provided for vehicle purchases, with subsidies from institutions like the Annasaheb Economic Development Corporation and OBC Corporation, effectively making these loans interest-free. 'This is a golden opportunity for our youth to build a sustainable livelihood," Darekar said. Unlike private ride-hailing apps, which often face criticism for high fares and driver exploitation, Chhava Ride will prioritise fair compensation for drivers and affordable fares for passengers. Sarnaik highlighted the ST Corporation's robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and technological capabilities, which make it the ideal entity to run this app. 'We're not just launching an app; we're building a system that puts people first," he added. With its focus on safety, affordability, and local empowerment, Chhava Ride is poised to redefine public transportation in Maharashtra, offering a model that blends tradition with innovation. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
6 days ago
- Business
- News18
MSRTC to operate passenger app for booking taxi, auto rides
Last Updated: Mumbai, Aug 5 (PTI) The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will operate an aggregator-based passenger app aimed at providing all transport services through a single platform, an official said on Tuesday. The transport body, in a release, said that state Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who is also chairman of the corporation, made this announcement during a high-level meeting on Monday. The app, developed under the Central and State government's aggregator policy, would offer transport services such as buses, autorickshaws, taxis, and e-buses through a single platform. Sarnaik further said that the MSRTC, with its robust infrastructure, workforce, and experience, was best suited to operate the app, which is expected to generate a new revenue stream for the transport body while providing commuters a trusted and transparent service. According to the release, a consensus has been reached on naming the app 'Chhava Ride'. The minister pointed out that while private aggregators were reaping profits using unregulated apps, often exploiting both drivers and passengers, the government-backed model would be a reliable and fair alternative. Meanwhile, Dr Keshav Nana Kshirsagar, president of the Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha, criticised the move, alleging that the government is attempting to enter the private app-based transport sector under the pretext of reform, instead of resolving the ongoing grievances of cab and autorickshaw drivers. He warned of staging a protest if the government fails to address their concerns. PTI KK ARU view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
