Latest news with #PratapSarnaik
News18
3 hours ago
- Business
- News18
Oil marketing companies to increase fuel discount for MSRTC buses
Agency: PTI Mumbai, Jul 31 (PTI) State-run oil marketing companies have decided to increase the fuel discount for the loss-making Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) from August 1, officials said. The move is expected to save around Rs 12 crore a year. 'The Indian Oil and the Bharat Petroleum have agreed to increase the discount on diesel supplied to MSRTC by 30 paise per litre. This will result in a daily saving of around Rs 3.23 lakh, amounting to Rs 11.8 crore per year," the MSRTC said in a release on Wednesday. The oil marketing companies agreed to increase the discount following persuasion by Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who is also the chairman of the corporation, it said. The MSRTC, with a fleet of more than 15,000 buses, buys nearly 10.77 lakh litres of diesel daily across its 251 depots. The corporation has already announced a plan to expand its fleet in future, adding 5,000 buses per year. Sarnaik said the MSRTC's financial condition is fragile and stressed the need to cut costs wherever possible and explore alternative revenue sources beyond ticket sales to make the corporation financially stronger. PTI KK NSK RSY GK (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 31, 2025, 08:45 IST 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.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Indian Express
Maharashtra govt to launch ride-hailing app to compete with Ola, Uber
The Maharashtra government will soon introduce an app-based autorickshaw, taxi, and e-bike service aimed at creating jobs for local youth, particularly those from the Marathi-speaking belt, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Monday. The service that would be operated under the state transport department would offer a competition for the private players in the sector, which is currently dominated by private cab aggregator platforms such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido, according to Sarnik. The proposal has received an in-principle nod from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, but the clearance from the Cabinet is expected soon, Sarnaik said. Sarnaik, who is also the chairman of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), said the app-based aggregator platform for the state is almost complete, and the government is deliberating on names such as Jai Maharashtra, Maha-Ride, Maha-Yatri, or Maha-Go for the app. The app is being developed in collaboration with institutions such as the Maharashtra Institute for Transport Technology and Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA), with private players in consultation. 'This will not only offer comfortable travel for commuters but also generate employment for thousands of youngsters in Maharashtra,' Sarnaik said, adding that all terms in the Centre's aggregator policy guidelines are being adhered to. The government plans to check the monopoly and ensure transparency in fare levels and drivers' benefits, officials from the transport department said. The app will offer services by auto-rickshaws, taxis, and e-bikes in towns and cities. Officials indicated that the platform will also be made compatible with the Central Government's Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2020, which stipulate safety, accountability, and fare regulation standards for digital transport aggregators. 'The government has the technical knowledge, infrastructure, and manpower. This model, if well implemented, will serve the interests of both service providers and users,' he added.
News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
'Maha-Yatri', 'Maha-Go': Maharashtra Mulls Names For State App For Rickshaw, Taxi, E-Bike Services
Maharashtra Transport Minister criticised existing private aggregators for exploiting drivers and passengers alike, and said the state's app would address these issues head-on. In a bold move aimed at creating employment opportunities for local youth and challenging the dominance of private ride-hailing platforms, the Maharashtra government is all set to launch its own app-based transport service. This state-backed platform will include autorickshaws, taxis, and e-bikes, and is expected to go live soon after approval from the top leadership. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that the government, in collaboration with the transport department, is developing the app under proposed names like 'Jai Maharashtra', 'Maha-Ride', 'Maha-Yatri' or 'Maha-Go'. He stressed that this initiative would no longer restrict the ride-hailing ecosystem to private players and would offer a transparent, fair, and reliable alternative. 'The final go-ahead will come from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar," Sarnaik said confidently. The app is being developed with technical input from the Maharashtra Institute for Transport Technology and MITRA, alongside consultations with private firms. Designed to bring transparency and efficiency, it will be backed by strong government infrastructure and manpower—giving it an edge over existing operators. Sarnaik highlighted that this app will follow the Central Aggregator Guidelines, with its policy framework in the final stage. He criticised existing private aggregators for exploiting drivers and passengers alike, and said the state's app would address these issues head-on. 'We have the technology, resources, and manpower to make this work in the public interest," he added. A decisive meeting is scheduled for August 5 at Mantralaya, where Darekar, government officials, and technical teams will finalise the app's structure and operational plan. 'This initiative will not only make thousands of youth self-reliant but also end the monopoly of private aggregators. It's time for Maharashtra to have a people-centric ride-hailing solution," Sarnaik said. 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.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Maharashtra plans to launch app-based auto, taxi, and E-Bike services soon: Transport Minister
Mumbai: In a major initiative to create employment opportunities for youth, the Maharashtra government is planning to launch its own app-based transport service. Thane: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and state Minister of Transport Pratap Sarnaik during the inspection of the IT security system in the Smart Bus operated by the ST Corporation between Thane and Nagpur, in Thane on Wednesday. (ANI Photo) (Anil Shinde) The new service, which will include app-based autorickshaws, taxis, and e-bikes, will no longer be confined to private companies. The government-run app is likely to be named Jai Maharashtra, Maha-Ride, Maha-Yatri, or Maha-Go, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced on Monday. He added that the final launch of the government app will take place after approval from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. Sarnaik further stated, "To develop the app, discussions are underway with the Maharashtra Institute for Transport Technology and MITRA, along with private firms. The app will include all necessary provisions to maintain transparency and will be developed soon." Under this initiative, special financial assistance will be provided to youth. Mumbai Bank will offer vehicle loans to unemployed youth at an interest rate of just 10 per cent. Mumbai Bank Chairman Praveen Darekar assured that this initiative will enable financial aid to reach deserving candidates. Additionally, government corporations such as Annasaheb Economic Development Corporation, Vimukta Jati Corporation, OBC Corporation, and MSDC will provide an 11 per cent interest subsidy, making the loan effectively interest-free. Minister Sarnaik also mentioned that the app's policy framework is in the final stage, in line with the Central Government's Aggregator Guidelines. He criticised private companies for exploiting both drivers and passengers through unauthorised apps. "With sufficient infrastructure, technology, and manpower, the government's app will benefit both passengers and drivers," he emphasised. A final review meeting on the app is scheduled for August 5 at Mantralaya, with MLA Praveen Darekar, technical experts, and government officials expected to attend.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Itwari-Umred section of Nagpur-Nagbhid broad gauge line likely to open before Diwali
Nagpur: The conversion of the 106-kilometre narrow-gauge railway line between Nagpur and Nagbhid into broad gauge is progressing rapidly. The 51-kilometre stretch from Itwari to Umred will be inaugurated before Diwali, transport minister Pratap Sarnaik announced. He was speaking during a review meeting at the Mantralaya regarding the progress of Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MahaRail) projects. Sarnaik said MahaRail has been instructed to expedite the conversion of the 106-kilometre Itwari-Nagbhid narrow-gauge railway line into broad gauge. Specifically, the inauguration of the Itwari–Umred stretch has been scheduled before Diwali. "Once completed, the renewed rail line will connect 12 to 14 small and medium villages along the route to a major city like Nagpur," he said. The meeting was attended by MahaRail vice-chairman Rajesh Kumar Jaiswal, deputy secretary of the transport department, Kiran Holkar, and other officials concerned. # 'Expedite construction of bridges for level-crossing free state' MahaRail was established in 2016 as a joint venture between the govt of Maharashtra and the Ministry of Railways to execute railway projects with state govt participation. MahaRail is responsible for completing such projects. It also shoulders the major responsibility of implementing the vision of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, the 'Level Crossing-Free Maharashtra' project which aims to replace all railway level crossings in the state with railway overbridges. Minister Sarnaik has also instructed MahaRail to expedite the construction of these overbridges.
