The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) disbursed the remaining 44% of its employees’ March salaries on Tuesday, addressing a delay that had sparked widespread criticism.

The cash-strapped state-owned transport body, which employs over 80,000 workers, had paid only 56% of the salaries last week due to a severe financial crunch, deviating from its usual practice of disbursing salaries by the seventh of each month.

The partial payment drew sharp rebuke from opposition leaders, prompting swift action from the state government. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced last week that the outstanding amount would be cleared by April 15.

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On the same day, newly appointed MSRTC chairman and state Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who took charge as the corporation’s 26th head, reaffirmed the commitment to restore timely salary payments. Sarnaik engaged with the state finance secretary, securing Rs 120 crore to bridge the funding gap and ensure the arrears were deposited into employees’ accounts by Tuesday afternoon.

MSRTC, one of India’s largest public transport corporations, operates a fleet of over 14,000 buses, serving approximately 60 lakh passengers daily across urban and rural routes. Despite its critical role, the corporation has faced recurring financial challenges, exacerbated by operational costs and revenue shortfalls.

Sarnaik’s pledge to prioritize monthly salary disbursements by the seventh signals an effort to stabilize the workforce’s morale. However, the corporation’s long-term financial health remains a concern, with stakeholders urging structural reforms to prevent future delays and sustain its vital public service.

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