MSRTC Approves Private Partnership For Balasaheb Thackeray Pilgrimage Scheme

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has officially granted in-principle approval to allow private tourism agencies to participate in the Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray – ST Sange Teerthatan pilgrimage scheme. The decision, announced on July 1, 2026, in Mumbai, marks a significant shift in how the state-run pilgrimage programme will be managed and expanded across Maharashtra.

Under the newly approved public-private model, private tourism agencies will be permitted to enter the scheme to manage non-transport services. This collaboration is designed to strengthen the overall execution of the pilgrimage programme by outsourcing specific hospitality and logistical tasks to private entities.

Despite the involvement of private agencies, the MSRTC will retain complete control over all core transit operations. The state-run corporation will continue to manage the bus operations and oversee passenger transportation, ensuring that the primary transit element remains under public administration.

According to Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik, the new arrangement is intended to provide pilgrims with a far more organised and integrated travel experience. By dividing the responsibilities between public transport management and private service delivery, the state aims to improve the overall quality of the pilgrimage.

In addition to enhancing the travel experience for the pilgrims, the partnership is also projected to benefit the state transport body financially. Minister Sarnaik noted that the participation of private tourism agencies will help generate an additional source of revenue for the MSRTC.

The decision represents a strategic effort by the state government to scale up the Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray – ST Sange Teerthatan scheme, ensuring better service delivery for devotees while maintaining the corporation's core transport role.