Mumbai: Horticulture Minister and former chairman of Maharashtra State Road Transport (MSRTC) Bharat Gogawale has denied allegations of corruption in the tender process for hiring 1,310 state transport (ST) buses.
A committee led by Sanjay Sethi, additional chief secretary of the Transport Department, and appointed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, had flagged concerns over high bus hiring rates. Speaking on the matter, Gogawale, who is said to be unhappy over not getting the Raigad district guardian ministership, dismissed claims of wrongdoing.
“Price variations in large-scale projects are common. Quality buses require fair compensation for contractors. Rates differ based on regions, with higher prices in Mumbai and lower ones in rural areas. Allegations of corruption are therefore misplaced,” he said.
Gogawale emphasised that the tender process involved multiple officials and followed due procedures. “I conducted several meetings of officers to ensure transparency. The department acted in the best interest of the public,” he added.
Bharat Gogawale On Opposition Leaders’ Accusations
Responding to opposition leaders’ accusations, Gogawale challenged them to provide proof of corruption. “Rising tender rates don’t equate to corruption. I have no objection if CM Fadnavis orders a fresh tender. If there’s any scam, the CM should initiate an inquiry and take action,” he stated.
About The Controversy
The controversy arose after the Transport Department directed MSRTC to scrap its contract and invite fresh tenders, citing irregularities in the issuance of the letter of intent. Opposition leaders, including Ambadas Danve, have called the alleged scam a Rs 2,800 crore issue, demanding an inquiry report be made public.
Sources revealed that in December 2024, MSRTC had planned to rent 1,310 buses for a decade, with costs ranging between Rs 34.70 and Rs 35.10 per kilometre, excluding fuel. However, a 2022 contract priced bus rentals at Rs 44 per km, including fuel, with fuel costs averaging Rs 22 per km. This brought the total cost to over Rs 56 per km, which is Rs12–14 higher than the expected rates. The buses are intended to serve three key routes: 450 buses for the Mumbai-Pune corridor, 430 for Nashik Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and 430 for the Amravati Nagpur division.
