The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has announced a Diwali bonus of Rs 6,000 for all its 85,000 employees and officers. In addition, the state government will provide Rs 65 crore per month to clear pending salary arrears resulting from pay revisions between 2020 and 2024. Eligible employees will also be offered a Diwali advance of Rs 12,500.
The decision was finalised during a meeting at Mumbai’s Sahyadri Guest House on Monday, 9 October, 2025, attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and representatives from various other department and employee unions.
The move aims to ensure that MSRTC employees celebrate a joyful Diwali despite the economic challenges faced by the transport sector. It’s a part of government’s commitment to employee welfare and acknowledged the hardships caused by heavy rainfall across Maharashtra.
The government has also approved the continuation of the Diwali advance scheme, under which eligible employees opting in will receive Rs 12,500. For this, the MSRTC has sought Rs 54 crore in additional financial support from the state.
Alongside these festive benefits, Shinde emphasised the need to strengthen MSRTC’s financial base. The government is exploring strategies to boost revenue, including developing MSRTC-owned land through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects.
The festive announcement is expected to bring relief and cheer to MSRTC’s workforce, which plays a crucial role in providing affordable and reliable public transport across Maharashtra.
