महाराष्ट्र ने मुंबई-पुणे बसों में 'शिवनेरी सुंदरी' सेवा शुरू की।

Maharashtra launches 'Shivneri Sundari' service on Mumbai-Pune buses. 

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has launched a new initiative called ‘Shivneri Sundari,’ aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and customer service for travelers between Mumbai and Pune. This service will include hostesses trained to provide an air-travel-like experience on the popular e-Shivneri buses.

According to MSRTC, the ‘Shivneri Sundari’ initiative seeks to improve the experience for passengers on the heavily traveled 200-km route. The attendants will assist with basic medical needs, answer travel-related questions, and distribute water, newspapers, and magazines throughout the journey.

Although food will not be served on board, the attendants will ensure that the bus remains clean and comfortable, monitor the air conditioning, and report any technical issues to the driver and MSRTC officials. They will be located in the front row of the bus, where they will have access to a small cabinet for necessary supplies.

MSRTC confirmed that this new initiative will not lead to changes in ticket prices. The e-Shivneri buses, known for their efficient point-to-point service, typically operate with only a driver on board, and tickets are issued at designated stops along the route.

Opposition Response

Activists have voiced safety concerns regarding the female attendants, who will be interacting closely with male passengers in the narrow aisles of the bus. They also raised questions about the working conditions, including whether MSRTC depots have appropriate waiting areas and restrooms for the hostesses.

Opposition leader Vijay Wadettiwar criticized the government for the poor state of MSRTC buses and bus stations across the state. “There are no clean restrooms for women at bus stations. Instead of addressing these issues, the government is hiring Shivneri Sundaris. This is a directionless government led by equally directionless leaders,” he stated, as reported by The Print.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi condemned the initiative, calling it “highly perverted and misogynistic.” She remarked on X that the concept of ‘Shivneri Sundaris’ appears to be a misguided attempt to enhance the travel experience for passengers traveling between Mumbai and Pune.

The table top dancers of Goa who were high on khoke and gaddari have come up with this highly perverted and misogynistic idea of ‘Shivneri Sundaris’ who will ‘serve’ passengers travelling in Shivneri buses between Mumbai-Pune and to ‘enhance the travel experience of passengers’. pic.twitter.com/8K7tVXwR9p

— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) October 2, 2024

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