Nashik: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus strike severely affected commuters and passengers who arrived at various bus stations as usual on Tuesday, as only 55 of the 900 buses were plying. Private buses were pressed into service by the administration for intercity and outstation travel. It is estimated that 4,200 employees out of the 6,500-strong work force are on strike in the Nashik division. This figure includes drivers, conductors and mechanic.
According to MSRTC divisional controller Yamini Joshi, about 4,500 employees did not report for duty.
“However, we managed to press 50 to 55 buses into service and tried to give some respite to the commuters,” she said. Though schools and colleges are on holidays, some students still have to commute to complete their portions through extra classes. Such students too were badly affected by the ST bus strike.
Engineering student, Pallavi Wagh said that she had a ST bus student concessional pass. “I generally keep enough money in my purse for emergencies likebuying books, pens etc. Other students, who came with only the concessional passes had to return home,” she said.
ST Kamgar Sena advisor, Arun Shirsagar said that Kamgar Sena had not participated in the strike.
