Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
Citizens faced considerable inconvenience on Monday due to a strike by auto-rickshaw drivers. Anticipating the disruption, the Smart City administration planned accordingly, ensuring smooth public transport throughout the day. A total of 50,000 passengers travelled by smart buses, generating revenue of Rs 20 lakh, triple the usual daily income of Rs 7 lakh.
To meet the surge in demand, bus trips were increased. The 85 smart buses completed 1,800 trips across the city and surrounding areas. The situation highlighted the urgent need for an efficient public transport system in a city with a population of 1.8 million. Normally, these 85 buses serve 20,000–22,000 passengers daily, but Monday saw unprecedented crowds at bus stops.
Sanjay Supekar, head of the Smart City management section, said meticulous planning was done a day in advance. Bus frequency was increased from 5 am, and peak hours between 9 am and 12 pm saw heavy crowds. Evening services from 5 pm to 10 pm were also fully occupied. Overall, more than 50,000 passengers used the service, earning Rs 20 lakh for the Smart City, compared to the usual Rs 7 lakh daily revenue.