Good News for Students! No More Queues at ST Stands

In a much-needed relief for thousands of students across Maharashtra, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has announced a major change in the process of issuing student bus passes. Going forward, ST passes will be distributed directly at schools, eliminating the need for students to stand in long queues at bus stands.

The decision, officially announced by Transport Minister Hon. Pratap Sarnaik, is being hailed as an innovative and student-friendly reform. With schools across the state set to reopen from June 16, the new system will be implemented before the academic sessions begin.

Under this initiative, officials and staff from the transport department will visit schools, collect the required documents from students, and issue bus passes on the spot. This move is expected to save time, reduce stress, and bring immense convenience to both students and parents, especially in rural and remote areas where access to ST depots can be challenging.

For decades, ST buses have served as a vital mode of transport for school and college students in rural Maharashtra. However, the annual struggle of waiting for hours at ST stands to get a pass was a recurring complaint. This new system is a significant step toward easing that burden.

The initiative has received overwhelming support from students, teachers, and parents alike. Many have expressed gratitude to the government for thinking proactively and making the education journey smoother and more accessible.