Daily evaluation to timetable overhaul

To boost revenue and streamline operations, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has drawn up a comprehensive ‘Panchsutri’ plan, Transport Minister and MSRTC chairman Pratap Sarnaik said on Friday, outlining a need for daily review meetings, revised schedules, performance targets and upgraded passenger services.

Sarnaik, who reviewed the corporation’s functioning at a meeting held at the MSRTC headquarters, said the new framework seeks to improve efficiency from the depot level to regional offices, with clear accountability for officers and staff. MSRTC vice-chairman and managing director Dr Madhav Kusekar, along with department heads, regional managers and divisional controllers, attended the meeting.

Under the new system, daily evaluation has been made mandatory. Depots will hold review meetings at 10 am, divisions at 11 am and regional offices at 12 noon. Issues such as passenger complaints, cancelled trips, breakdowns and staff absenteeism will be scrutinised, with instructions for immediate corrective steps. Between 4 pm and 6 pm, depots, divisions and regions will draw up the transport plan for the next day, covering festival rush, market days, school trips and unexpected crowd surges.

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For drivers, the corporation has introduced targets based on KPTL (kilometres per 10 litres). Those falling short will undergo counselling, training or advanced sessions at the regional level as required. For conductors, revenue targets will align with each depot’s daily CPKM (cumulative per-km earnings). Persistent underperformance will draw measures ranging from counselling to changes in duty or formal warnings.

Sarnaik said changes were also being introduced in timetable management, described by officials as the “soul” of MSRTC operations. Following complaints about overlapping long-distance services, all schedules are being scientifically reassessed, and only routes approved by the central office will be operated. A new station-wise timetable will be issued on January 1 and widely publicised through social media, with punctuality and regularity set as top priorities.

For long- and medium-distance services, new standards have been set, including higher availability of reserved buses, maintaining load factors above 80 per cent, additional trips on high-demand days and closer monitoring of each service under the “adoption” model for supervisors. Online and mobile-app ticket reservations will be expanded as part of the overhaul.

Passenger amenities form a key part of the plan. Bus stations are to be kept clean, with toilets inspected at least three times a day. Information on delays or cancellations will be communicated promptly, with alternative arrangements and officer contact numbers made available. Depot managers have been instructed to prioritise quick registration and resolution of complaints.

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Sarnaik said the Panchsutri plan is not merely a set of guidelines but “a decisive blueprint to transform the entire system”, and marks a step towards MSRTC’s financial turnaround and enhanced public service.