Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Despite annual road safety drives by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), accidents involving State Transport (ST) buses continue to be reported. In 2025, the division recorded 137 accidents, including nine fatalities, raising concerns over passenger safety.
ST buses remain the backbone of public transport, connecting rural and urban areas and carrying lakhs of passengers daily. However, increasing traffic congestion, poor road conditions, tight schedules and driver workload are cited as key causes behind the accidents.
Although annual safety campaigns, driver counselling and training workshops are conducted, accident numbers have not reduced significantly, questioning the effectiveness of preventive measures.
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₹1 Insurance cover from every ticket
An amount of Rs 1 is collected from every ticket towards insurance coverage, providing financial aid in case of mishaps. Drivers also undergo annual health check-ups, yet fatigue, long duty hours and stress are frequently flagged as contributing factors.
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Decline in fatal accidents, rise in minor ones
While minor and serious accidents have increased, fatal accidents have shown a decline compared to previous years. “ST travel is considered safe. Passenger safety remains our priority,” said Santosh Ghane, divisional traffic officer.
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Year-wise ST Bus Accidents (Division Data)
Year
Minor
Serious
Fatal
2019
61
47
15
2020
25
18
6
2021
45
28
9
2022
59
32
13
2023
73
35
10
2024
50
48
12
2025
75
53
9