Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik recently urged young Marathi men to consider driving e-bike taxis, saying that even someone like Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who was once an auto driver, has risen to prominence. Sarnaik drew parallels between his own humble beginnings and Shinde’s journey, emphasizing that there is no shame in working odd jobs while studying. He encouraged young Marathis to enroll under the state’s new e-motorbike taxi policy, which allows aggregators to operate 50 e-bikes and promises employment to around 20,000 people.
Sarnaik also announced that the state cabinet has approved a proposal to allow e-bike taxis to operate across Maharashtra, with a maximum distance of 15 km per ride and mandatory helmets for riders and passengers. He emphasized the importance of hard work and said that even in developed countries, students often work part-time jobs.
In other news, Sarnaik took charge as chairman of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and outlined plans to reduce losses incurred by state transport (ST) buses. When asked about the Shivneri Sundari initiative, which proposes the deployment of hostesses on buses to assist passengers, Sarnaik expressed uncertainty about its future. However, he said that the corporation wants hostesses to travel on buses and benefit from discounts offered to women passengers.
Overall, Sarnaik’s comments emphasize the importance of hard work and encourage young Marathis to consider driving e-bike taxis. He also expressed uncertainty about the future of the Shivneri Sundari initiative, but emphasized the corporation’s commitment to revitalizing MSRTC.