PUNE: Despite feeling the heat of the recent hike in fuel prices, Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has decided not to pass on the additional financial burden on its passengers.

A senior MSRTC official from Mumbai told Sakaal Times that there are no plans for making immediate hike in bus fares.

With diesel prices going up by around Rs 2 since last week, the State transport utility is believed to be suffering losses to the tune of Rs 10 lakh per day. “We will try to compensate with losses encountered due to fuel hike by some other means,” the MSRTC official said.

State Transport Minister, Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, earlier prior to hike in fuel prices, had made a statement assuring that the MSRTC fares would not be increased in near future.

Now, with diesel prices going up considerably, it would be tough task for the minister to stick to his promises.

The MSRTC has recently entered into new wage agreement with its staff, which has added burden of around Rs 430 crore on the state transport utility.

Also, recruitment of over 15,000 employees is on the card for MSRTC.

Taking into account the recent hike in fuel prices, coupled with these two mentioned priorities, it will remain to see how far could MSRTC adherers to its decision of not introducing any fare hike.

There are no plans for making immediate hike in ST bus fares.