Maharashtra: Government to implement free bus services within the state for homeless people

For individuals wishing to travel, a portal will be launched for them on Monday. (Representative photo)

The state government announced on Saturday that it will provide free bus services within Maharashtra to bring migrant workers and others, including tourists and students, stranded in various parts of the state, except in the Covid-19 containment zones, due to at the national closing.

Transport Minister Anil Parab said the bus service for the Maharashtra State Highway Transport Corporation will start on Monday and will continue until the closure is lifted on May 17. “We are taking all possible measures to ensure that the coronavirus does not spread. Buses will be disinfected before and after the trip. Passengers will be required to wear a mask. One person will be allowed in a seat to maintain physical distance. The services of Free buses will be available until the end of the blockade. We believe that all people will be able to reach their places of origin by then, “Parab told the media. The proposal was approved by Prime Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday.

Parab said people who want to travel to their places of origin must form a group of 22 people and submit an application with all their details, including destination and contact details, either to the police commissioner in the city areas or to the district collector in rural areas. . “Your letters will be sent to the district nodal officer in question for approval. People will be informed about the disposition of the bus after obtaining the approval of the nodal officer, ”he added.

For individuals wishing to travel, a portal will be launched for them on Monday. “Individuals must obtain permission from the police commissioner or the district collector and upload it with their application to the portal. Commissioners or collectors will inform us when the number of people with a particular destination will reach 20-22 people. Then we will make arrangements for ST buses and inform people, “added the minister.

Parab said that to avoid the possibility of infection during the trip, long-distance buses will not stop to eat anywhere. “People should bring their meals. Once they reach their destination, the district collector or nodal officer will attend their medical examination or quarantine, “he added. The state, according to sources, is expected to spend an estimated Rs 20 million for bus service in the first phase, and costs may increase by Rs 30 million.

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