Mumbai, February 8 The state-owned MSRTC has named its newly inducted buses, which feature a 3x2 seating arrangement, "Rajmata Jijau" in honor of Jijabai, the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Sunday.
Sarnaik, who is also the chairman of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), said that each of the new buses will have 55 seats, instead of the existing 2x2 buses with 40 seats, used by the public transport system.
These buses will be introduced across the state in a phased manner starting from March, his office said in a release.
The increased seating capacity is aimed at reducing the number of standing passengers on crowded inter-city routes, it said.
Rajmata Jijau, regarded as the inspiration behind "Hindavi Swarajya," symbolizes courage and leadership, and the naming is a tribute to her legacy, the minister said. The saffron-and-white color scheme of the buses reflects Maharashtra's heritage and pride, he added.
The MSRTC had previously named its bus services Shivneri, Shivshahi, Shivai, Yashwanti and Hirakani, and the latest addition continues this tradition, the minister added.
