Maharashtra: ACB Probes MSRTC Consultant Over Irregularities; ₹9.61 Crore Advertising Dues Also Under Scrutiny

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has launched an investigation into allegations against a consultant appointed by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik informed the State Assembly during the Question Hour session.

The inquiry follows complaints received against the consultants of a company appointed for advisory work with the MSRTC. Alongside the ACB probe, a separate internal investigation is also being conducted by the MSRTC's Security and Vigilance Department. “Appropriate action will be taken once the investigation reports are submitted,” Minister Sarnaik stated in response to a question raised by MLA Abhijit Patil.

He further added that the ACB is investigating alleged irregularities involving consultants from the firm KPMG. The Information Technology Department, which had empaneled the consultancy, has also been informed. An FIR has been filed in the matter, and relevant documents and information have been provided to the ACB by MSRTC to assist with the inquiry.

In another issue raised by MLA Shankar Jagtap and supported by MLA Sunil Prabhu, Minister Sarnaik addressed the matter of unpaid license fees by the advertising agency Texsiddhi Advert Private Limited. The company, which was awarded advertising rights at MSRTC bus stations, on buses, and through digital displays, failed to pay the monthly license fees for the period between May 2024 and December 2024.

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“The agency owes ₹9.61 crore to MSRTC due to non-payment and failure to deliver the expected number of advertisements. Recovery action is currently underway,” Sarnaik told the House. He also said that digital advertisement rights granted to the company have been revoked.

The transport minister clarified that a notice was sent to the contractor, but no response was received. Therefore, an investigation into the matter has begun, and appropriate action will follow based on its outcome.

Sarnaik concluded by stating that the MSRTC is implementing various measures to boost its revenue and improve operations.