The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde ji, launched a program called MSRTC Free Bus Travel Scheme on 25 August 2022. This program aims to provide transport services to senior residents above the age of 75 in the state of Maharashtra. It is a great initiative that will benefit senior citizens in a significant way.
In this article, we will provide you with detailed information about the MSRTC Free Travel Scheme launched by the Government of Maharashtra, including its objectives, required documents, benefits, and how to apply for it.
MSRTC Maharashtra Free Travel Scheme 2023
Through a tweet, Shri Eknath Shinde, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, introduced the MSRTC Maharashtra Free Travel Scheme. Senior persons who participate in this scheme will be given free transportation on MSRTC buses.
On the occasion of India’s 75th Independence Day, 1.5 lakh elderly persons in Maharashtra who are at least 75 years old would be able to take advantage of this scheme.
The state government has adopted this strategy because MSRTC is known for operating the best-equipped, cleanest buses in Maharashtra.
In addition, 200 additional air-conditioned electric buses would be added by the state government to the Mumbai-Pune route.
Objective Of The Scheme
The MSRTC Free Bus Travel Scheme is aiming to provide financial support for Maharashtrian seniors. The scheme was developed by the government primarily to help senior folks who are struggling with the KOVID pandemic and inflation.
The scheme intends to assist these senior persons who are unable to work to become financially independent.
Also was initiated by the Maharashtra Chief Minister to give older persons free transportation. They will gain a lot from this and get stronger as a result.
According to the announcement, passengers can use the free transportation service on ST buses by presenting identification as proof of age, such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, driver’s license, voter’s card, etc.
Key highlights of the Maharashtra Free Travel Scheme
| Scheme Name | MSRTC Free Travel Scheme |
| Launched By | By Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde |
| Beneficiaries | Senior Citizen Above 75 |
| Application Procedure | Online |
| Objective | Free Travel |
| Benefits | Financial assistance will be provided to older citizens |
| Category | Maharashtra Government Schemes |
| Official Website | — |
Benefits of MSRTC Free Bus Travel Scheme 2023
- The Chief Minister of Maharashtra has launched a program to give financial assistance to all senior citizens in the state. This program is based on an earlier principle.
- If you travel on MSRTC buses in Maharashtra, you can use the MSRTC Free Travel Scheme to travel for free if you show your ID.
- However, not everyone on MSRTC buses can use this service, and you cannot use it if you travel outside the state.
- If you are between 65 and 75 years old, you can get a 50% discount on MSRTC bus tickets for certain routes and services under this scheme.
- The Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, announced that senior citizens who are 75 years and older will be able to travel for free in Maharashtra, according to a cabinet meeting held after Independence Day under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Eligibility for MSRTC Free Travel Scheme:
- To benefit from this scheme, you must be a resident of Maharashtra and India.
- Only senior citizens between the ages of 65 and 75 are eligible for this scheme.
- You must travel only on MSRTC buses to avail yourself of the benefits.
- The bus must travel within the state limits.
Documents Required:
- To apply for the MSRTC Free Travel Scheme, you will need to submit some documents.
- The documents required include an identity card, PAN card, Aadhaar card, driving license, voter ID card, and mobile number.
Main points about the MSRTC Free Travel Scheme
- To benefit from this scheme, citizens must present valid identification documents such as an Aadhar card, PAN card, driving license, or voter card. Once verified, they can enjoy free travel facilities on ST buses.
- The free travel benefit does not apply to city buses and is only available for travel within the state limits.
- The state government has set the age limit for this scheme between 65 to 75 years. Citizens who are 65 years old and above are entitled to a 50% discount on tickets purchased at select MSRTC facilities.
- The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, announced the scheme during a cabinet meeting on Independence Day, which is also celebrated as Amrit Mahotsav this year.
- MSRTC has a fleet of more than 16,000 buses, and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, about 6.5 million passengers traveled daily on these buses.
- MSRTC plans to launch around 100 new electric buses on the Mumbai-Pune route, which will be air-conditioned and pollution-free. All citizens of the state can avail of this facility.
FAQs
No. MSRTC Free Bus Travel Scheme is not working now. It was only proving free travel during Kovid-19.
No, senior citizen just has to show an Age Proof identity card like Aadhaar, Driving Licence, or Voting Card.
