MUMBAI: A month after assuming charge as chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis has dealt deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde a blow by raising questions about a decision taken by the latter when he was chief minister and also held the transport portfolio in the previous Mahayuti government. Fadnavis on Monday stayed a decision by Shinde to rent buses for the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), taken in September last year. In doing so, he has also underlined his authority in the new Mahayuti alliance government.
After the new Mahayuti government took charge recently, Fadnavis has been reviewing the work of every department and discussing their plans for the government's first 100 days in office. He stayed Shinde's decision on Monday, while taking stock of the transport department, after being given a presentation.
During the presentation, officials told Fadnavis that MSRTC had recently given a letter of intent (LoI) to three private companies for the hiring of 1,310 buses, at ₹34.70 to ₹35.10 per km, excluding the cost of fuel. It was pointed out that, in 2022, MSRTC had hired buses at ₹44 per km, fuel cost included. The officials said that if one took into account the cost of fuel at ₹22 per km, the cost of each bus would be ₹56 to ₹57 per km. This would amount to ₹12 to ₹13 per km more than the previous agreement.
"Armed with these details, the chief minister stayed the hiring process of 1,310 buses and also asked the additional chief secretary to inquire into the matter and submit a report," said an official present at the meeting.
This story is from the January 02, 2025 edition of Hindustan Times Mumbai.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 02, 2025 edition of Hindustan Times Mumbai.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Allu Arjun Debuts New Look As He Visits Court To Complete Bail Formalities
The actor submitted sureties at a Hyderabad court after being granted bail in connection with the Sandhya Theatre incident, debuting a new look in the process
My new song is meant to be something people can have fun with, says Paradox
Rapper Tanishq Singh aka Paradox has always been willing to push the boundaries of his music, resulting in a sound that is constantly evolving.
I've done a lot of TV, and I was tired, so I left it, as one tends to lose excitement, says Aamir Ali
Actor Aamir Ali has been a regular face on television for just a little under two decades, having been part of Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Kya Dil Mein Hai and FIR.
Ariana Grande's 'Botox and Juvederm' joke sparks backlash
Singer-actor Ariana Grande, who has received significant praise for her portrayal of Glinda in Wicked (2024), was honored with the Rising Star Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival 2025 on January 3.
DSP: I was prepared for Kissik and Oo Antava comparisons
As long as you don't let success get to your head, you are not bothered by the outcome,\" says composer Devi Sri Prasad, also known as DSP, who is pleased with the reception of his music for Pushpa 2: The Rule.
Sparks of Trouble for Coldplay Gujarat gig!
A head of its highly anticipated India tour, British rock band Coldplay is making headlines, again! After a lot of frenzy around the concert tickets flying off the shelf in seconds, now, the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) in Ahmedabad has issued a notice to the band frontman, singer Chris Martin, and the organisers of the concert.
Aubrey's husband, director Jeff Baena, dies by suicide
Actor-comedian Aubrey Plaza is mourning the loss of her husband, director Jeff Baena, who died at the age of 47.
Rohit and Virat still have the hunger, says Gambhir
No one in the team will say it, but they are all surely thinking it.
Lebrun brothers, the French connection in Thakkar's rise
Manav Thakkar, India's No.2 male paddler, noticed how the Lebrun brothers, the French siblings who have taken the table tennis world by storm, would \"invent stuff\" after training sessions even as the others would wind down.
HIL route to making India return
Many sidelined from the national squad have bounced back via the league, Rohidas being a shining example
