A private travel bus operating from Nagpur to Mumbai broke down around 2 am on Friday near the Harsul toll naka, leaving nearly 40 passengers stranded in the middle of the highway for hours. Despite being informed immediately, the travel company owner failed to arrange a replacement vehicle in time. As a result, passengers were forced to wait on the roadside for nearly 10 hours without clarity about further arrangements. The bus, operated by Sanjay Travels (MH-40, CT-4177), reportedly stopped functioning shortly after crossing the Savangi toll plaza on the Samruddhi Expressway, causing significant inconvenience to those onboard.
According to passengers, the driver carefully moved the bus to the side of the road and informed the owner about the mechanical failure. However, the owner allegedly stated that no alternate bus was available at that moment and disconnected his phone after assuring them that a vehicle would be sent when possible. Hours passed with repeated assurances that the replacement bus would arrive “soon,” but no help reached the stranded travelers even after dawn. Frustrated by the delay and lack of communication, the passengers finally approached Regional Transport Officer Vijay Kathole at around 10 am to report the incident.
Taking swift action, Kathole immediately directed Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector Namrata Shinde from the flying squad to visit the location. Shinde arranged drinking water, tea, and snacks for the passengers and warned the travel company owner of strict action if a replacement bus was not provided immediately. Following this intervention, an alternate bus was finally dispatched at around 12 noon, allowing the passengers to resume their journey. Meanwhile, two passengers missed important job interviews in Mumbai due to the delay. RTO officials stated that action, including possible cancellation of the operator’s permit, will be initiated against the concerned travel company.