Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb 9: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has named its newly inducted buses with a 3x2 seating arrangement as ‘Rajmata Jijau’, in honour of Jijabai, the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, state Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Sunday.

Sarnaik, who also serves as chairman of the MSRTC, said the new buses will have a seating capacity of 55 passengers, compared to the existing 2x2 configuration buses that accommodate 40 passengers. He said the buses will be introduced across Maharashtra in a phased manner starting from March.

According to an official release, the higher seating capacity is aimed at reducing the number of standing passengers, particularly on crowded inter-city routes, and improving travel comfort for commuters.

The minister said Rajmata Jijau, regarded as the inspiration behind the concept of ‘Hindavi Swarajya’, symbolises courage, vision and leadership, and the naming of the buses is a tribute to her enduring legacy. He added that the saffron-and-white colour scheme of the buses reflects Maharashtra’s heritage and cultural pride.

Sarnaik noted that MSRTC has a tradition of naming its services after iconic figures and themes, with existing bus services such as Shivneri, Shivshahi, Shivai, Yashwanti and Hirakani, and said the introduction of ‘Rajmata Jijau’ continues this legacy.