July 16, 2025: In a major move to improve road safety and modernise public transport, Maharashtra has announced a comprehensive strategy that includes launching air ambulance services on highways and reinforcing support for the state-run transport workforce. The announcement, made by the Transport Minister, marks a significant step towards building a safer, more efficient, and inclusive urban mobility system.
The initiative will be funded through the state’s road safety corpus and will see the deployment of air ambulances and emergency vehicles equipped with life-saving medical equipment. These services aim to reduce emergency response times following highway accidents and enhance casualty management. To further support safety improvements, an independent agency will be appointed to collect and analyse data from accident-prone zones, allowing for targeted interventions.
Alongside safety reforms, the Transport Minister reiterated the state’s full support for the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), which employs around 83,000 people. Dismissing concerns about privatisation, the minister described MSRTC as the “mother organisation” of public transport and assured that its services would remain in the public domain, preserving affordable travel options for citizens.
Employee welfare is also a key priority in the reform agenda. Measures include appointing a private firm to maintain cleanliness in rest houses for drivers and conductors, as well as offering services such as uniform laundry and personal grooming. These efforts aim to improve working conditions, morale, and overall productivity.
The government also plans to intensify action against unlicensed taxi operators and app-based bus services operating outside legal frameworks, in a bid to ensure safety and fair competition.
With this integrated approach—blending safety innovation, infrastructure development, and employee wellbeing—Maharashtra is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable, smart urban transport governance.
Source: Urban Acres
