Pune: Transport Minister Warns of Action over ‘Nath Jal’ Overpricing; Announces Rs 40 Tea-Breakfast at MSRTC Stands From June 1

Pune, 30th April 2026: Maharashtra Transport Minister and MSRTC chairman Pratap Sarnaik on Thursday warned of strict action against vendors overcharging for ‘Nath Jal’ bottled water at state-run bus stands, asserting that the one-litre chilled bottle must be sold at the fixed price of Rs 15.

The warning came during Sarnaik’s inspection of the Lonavala bus stand in the Pune division, where he reviewed passenger amenities and interacted with commuters. During the visit, passengers informed him that the one-litre ‘Nath Jal’ bottle was being sold at an inflated price of Rs 20. Taking note, Sarnaik directed the vendor to prominently display the approved rate and cautioned that any sale above Rs 15 would lead to cancellation of the licence.

Commuters also raised concerns that some buses were bypassing the Lonavala bus stand or halting at private hotels instead. They said the food at such stops was often expensive and unaffordable. In response, the minister instructed MSRTC officials to ensure that all buses adhere to their scheduled halts at the Lonavala bus station and avoid stopping at private establishments.

During the inspection, Sarnaik reviewed cleanliness, ticketing systems, passenger facilities and other basic amenities at the station. He directed officials to undertake necessary improvements to enhance the quality and accessibility of services.

The minister also interacted with staff and passengers to understand their concerns, stressing the need to bring greater transparency and efficiency in passenger services across MSRTC bus stands.

The minister later also visited Vallabhnagar bus stand in Pimpri Chinchwad, where he reviewed arrangements for drivers and conductors.

To ensure that drivers and conductors, who often arrive exhausted after long journeys, get proper rest, adequate facilities should be provided in their rest rooms, Sarnaik has directed the local ST administration. He instructed that restrooms be kept clean and well-maintained, and that staff be provided with safe drinking water as well as access to hot water for bathing—creating facilities akin to a homely environment.

“Drivers and conductors are the backbone of the State Transport service. Despite challenging conditions, they work tirelessly to safely serve around 5 to 5.5 million passengers across the state every day. If they are provided with facilities similar to those at home after completing their duty, they will be able to serve with greater enthusiasm,” he said.

During the inspection, the minister also directed that commercial shops at the bus station in Vallabhnagar, which have remained closed for several years, be allotted at nominal rent to women’s self-help groups and aspiring young entrepreneurs. This, he noted, would help boost MSRTC revenue while also improving amenities for passengers and staff.

Sarnaik further announced that from June 1, all ST canteens across bus stands will offer tea and breakfast at a fixed price of Rs 40, similar to facilities available at highway hotels and motels.