Maharashtra has announced the deployment of 1,000 new buses dedicated to school and college trips, offering students a 50% discount on fares to promote affordable and safe educational travel.
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will operate these buses daily from 251 depots across the state. Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik emphasised that this initiative supports students’ eagerness for educational tours following the Diwali vacation.
The buses will facilitate trips to key historical, religious, and tourist destinations, enhancing learning beyond classrooms while making travel cost-effective for students.
Expanding Educational Travel Infrastructure
The MSRTC currently operates nearly 20,000 buses for institutional trips, generating significant revenue and enabling thousands of students’ excursions annually. The new fleet, with 800 to 1,000 buses running daily, will improve availability and scheduling in coordination with schools and colleges.
Depot chiefs and station officers have been instructed to engage directly with educational institutions to plan tours, ensuring streamlined operations and broad student participation. This move strengthens Maharashtra’s position as a state promoting experiential learning.
Officials’ Perspective and Policy Goals
Minister Pratap Sarnaik highlighted the government’s commitment to integrating education and tourism by offering subsidised travel, thereby making cultural and heritage site visits accessible to more students.
The fare discount aims to alleviate economic barriers and encourage widespread participation, supporting academic growth through outdoor learning. This plan also aligns with boosting ridership and revenue for the MSRTC while embedding educational priorities within transport policy.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian welcomes Maharashtra’s focus on equitable access to learning experiences, considering travel an essential extension of education.
Ensuring safety, affordability, and inclusivity in student transport addresses societal inequalities and fosters holistic development. However, attention to sustainable practices and continued oversight is vital to maximise impact.
News in Q&A
Q1: What is Maharashtra’s new initiative for school and college trips?
The MSRTC is deploying 1,000 new buses daily from 251 depots, with a 50% fare discount for students to facilitate affordable and safe educational travel.
Q2: Why is the government focusing on educational trips?
Educational trips promote holistic learning and experiential education by exposing students to historical, religious, and tourist destinations across Maharashtra. The scheme encourages cultural awareness and supports student enthusiasm post-holidays.
Q3: How will the new buses be managed and coordinated?
Depot chiefs and station officers are tasked with coordinating directly with school and college principals to plan trips smoothly, ensuring efficient scheduling and broad student engagement.
Q4: What was the previous success record of MSRTC’s educational travel services?
Between November 2024 and February 2025, MSRTC operated nearly 20,000 buses for school and college trips, generating Rs 92 crore in revenue, indicating strong demand and successful service delivery.
Q5: How will this initiative impact students and families?
The 50% fare discount enhances affordability, reducing financial barriers for families and making it easier for students to participate in educational excursions, fostering inclusivity and equal opportunity.
