Pune: MSRTC Cracks Down on Buses Halting at Unauthorised Highway Hotels; Action Taken Against 131 Buses in Two Months
Pune, 8th June 2026: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has taken action against 131 buses for stopping at unauthorised hotels along highways instead of designated halt points. The buses penalised during the past two months belong to various divisions across the state.
Officials said disciplinary action has been initiated against the drivers and conductors concerned, and the penalties imposed on them will be recovered from their salaries.
According to MSRTC officials, several bus drivers had been halting vehicles at hotels of their choice for personal gain, leading to complaints of passengers being overcharged for food and other services. Following an increase in such complaints, the corporation identified and authorised specific hotels on different routes for bus halts.
The designated hotels were instructed to maintain cleanliness and provide food and refreshments at rates fixed by the transport corporation. MSRTC had also warned drivers against stopping buses at unauthorised establishments. Despite this, some drivers continued to halt buses at non-designated locations, prompting the corporation to intensify enforcement through flying squads.
Six inspection teams of the Pune division are currently monitoring bus operations. Officials said action was taken against 46 buses in April and 85 buses in May. Drivers and conductors found violating the rules were fined Rs 1,000 each, and departmental inquiries have been initiated. The corporation claimed that the number of buses stopping at unauthorised hotels has declined following the crackdown.
