Get ready for a more luxurious travel experience on the popular e-Shivneri buses between Mumbai and Pune! The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has announced the introduction of ‘Shivneri Sundari’ attendants, offering passengers an air hostess-like service. These attendants will provide a range of services, aiming to elevate the travel experience.
The ‘Shivneri Sundari’ attendants will be responsible for providing essential travel information, addressing passenger queries and suggestions, and offering basic amenities like water, newspapers, and magazines. They will also be equipped to provide basic medical assistance. While these attendants are not expected to serve food, they will ensure the bus remains clean throughout the journey, monitor the air conditioning and temperature for passenger comfort, and promptly inform the driver and MSRTC authorities about any technical issues that may arise.
The MSRTC has clarified that the introduction of ‘Shivneri Sundari’ attendants will not lead to any increase in ticket prices. The popular e-Shivneri buses currently operate as a point-to-point service with only the driver on board, while conductors issue tickets at designated halts along the Mumbai-Pune route. The ‘Shivneri Sundari’ attendants will be assigned a front row seat, along with a small cabinet for storing necessary supplies.
In other news, the MSRTC board has approved the procurement of 2,500 new buses, initiating a tender process for the same. They have also proposed converting 100 diesel buses to electric ones on a pilot basis. The corporation, which boasts a fleet of over 15,000 buses, has already announced a project to convert 5,000 diesel-run buses to liquefied natural gas (LNG)-operated ones.
However, the introduction of ‘Shivneri Sundari’ attendants has sparked controversy. Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi, citing a news report, has criticized the concept as “highly perverted and misogynistic,” suggesting it portrays women in a demeaning light. The MSRTC is yet to respond to this criticism.
