“But it is really the rural passenger that is suffering because, private bus operators are picking up passengers from the main central bus stations from urban centres and towns, but do not venture into rural belts and interiors even if paid extra. Here, passengers still have to depend on shared autos, taxis and maxi cabs,” a passenger said.

On Sunday morning, a group of activists shouted slogans outside Mantralaya, accusing the government of not fulfilling the demand of the striking MSRTC employees. Two men from the group then allegedly tried to immolate by pouring kerosene on themselves, while the women members sat in protest. Policemen present at the spot moved swiftly and rounded up the protesters. 

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On November 14, a depressed MSRTC bus driver at Jawhar depot in Palghar had attempted to commit suicide by consuming poison. He was saved by his family members. The employees of the transporters are on an indefinite strike since October 28 over their demand for merger of the corporation with the state government, but they intensified the agitation after the Diwali festival ended. A merger will accord the MSRTC staff the same status as state government employees.