PUNE: Inter-state travel on MSRTC and private buses might temporarily come to a halt following the recent increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in various states, including Maharashtra.
“We are studying the number of Covid-19 cases, the increase and all aspects related to the pandemic. Based on the survey, we will discuss various options, including temporary suspension of inter-state bus services, till the virus spread is controlled again. The recent increase in the Covid-19 cases is a cause for concern. Some strict measures are needed to curb further spread of coronavirus,” state transport minister Anil Parab told TOI on Tuesday.
Inter-state travel on the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses had resumed in the middle of September to its full capacity. The state government had approved the private bus operators to resume operations around the same time. Since then, the MSRTC has maintained that the passenger load on the inter-state, inter-district and the intra-district routes has been “decent and growing”.
Parab said the government was not only concentrating on road transport via buses. “There are other modes of travel too, like air. On Monday, a decision was taken that people reaching airports in Maharashtra from Delhi, Rajasthan, Goa and Gujarat needed to have an RT-PCR negative test report, failing which they have to undergo the tests at the airports on arrival. More additional norms could be added in near future.”
The MSRTC buses ply in states such as Gujarat, Telangana, Goa, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. At the Pune division alone, more than 35 buses are currently plying to these neighbouring states. On Monday, the Maharashtra government in its notification stated that the collectors of land border districts would make arrangements to ensure that the passengers travelling via road from Delhi, Gujarat, Goa and Rajasthan would be tested for symptoms.
It stated that the passengers with Covid-19 symptoms would have the option to return or they would be segregated and made to undergo the antigen test. If the test report is negative, they will be allowed to enter the state. However, passengers testing Covid-19 positive will be sent to the Covid care centres for further care. The cost has to be borne by the passengers.
“It is a difficult job considering that a person travelling from Delhi has to travel through many states before reaching the Maharashtra border. Almost all people entering the state by road need to be checked and this makes the chances of a slip wider,” a transport department official said.