MSRTC posts first profit in 60 years

For the first time in its 60 years of existence, Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has posted profits. It has earned profits of Rs158.04 crore in 2007-08.
OP Gupta, vice-chairman and managing director of MSRTC, said the undertaking made profits despite being forced to run buses on unprofitable routes as part of its social responsibility. According to MSRTC’s statistics, nearly Rs156 crore was the financial burden incurred by it in running 16,432 trips on “unviable” routes. “These trips are to appease some political leaders who compel the undertaking to operate buses to and from certain remote areas. These are termed as ‘C’ category trips, operated by way of social obligation,” a senior MSRTC official said.
MSRTC plans to introduce swanky buses, electronic ticketing machines and online reservation system.