Maharashtra Rains: Viral Video Shows Water Leaking Into MSRTC Bus, Driver Shielded By Passenger's Umbrella

A 30-second video capturing rainwater pouring through the roof of a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus has gone viral, sparking public outrage and drawing attention to the deteriorating condition of state-run buses that serve as a crucial lifeline for millions across Maharashtra.

#Watch | Passengers Battle Rain Inside Moving MSRTC Bus With Umbrellas, Raincoats

Reported by: @Yourskamalk #MSRTC #Maharashtra #MaharashtraNews pic.twitter.com/jbQVbpQ8Ho

— Free Press Journal (@fpjindia) July 29, 2025

Negligence in Inspection Leads to Disciplinary Action

According to sources, the video, recorded during heavy rainfall on July 26, 2025, shows the interior of a moving MSRTC bus on the Ambajogai–Ahmadpur route. Passengers are seen struggling to stay dry as water drips steadily from the bus roof. In a striking moment, a man wearing a yellow turban stands beside the driver’s seat, holding an open umbrella with both hands to protect the driver from the downpour. Despite the movement of the bus, the man maintains his balance to keep the driver dry. Nearly 13 year old bus belongs to the Ambajogai bus depot of MSRTC.

Elsewhere in the bus, passengers are seen using umbrellas, raincoats, and even dupattas to shield themselves. A man sitting beside the conductor wears a raincoat, while another behind him holds an umbrella open inside the bus.

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Ambajogai Depot Faces Scrutiny Over Maintenance Lapses

An MSRTC official stated that a preliminary investigation revealed the bus had not been properly inspected before being put into service. As a result, disciplinary action has been taken against the driver, Vilas Kawade after vedio went viral . Additional action is also being pursued against the vehicle inspector, Shesherao Gawli, and the body fitter, Govind Chafe, for negligence in maintenance.

Depot Manager Raut Amar Dilip has submitted a detailed report to senior MSRTC authorities, outlining the lapses in maintenance at the Ambajogai depot and proposing corrective steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.

MSRTC Faces Backlash Over Deteriorating Bus Conditions

MSRTC, widely regarded as the “lifeline of Maharashtra,” operates daily services connecting over 90 percent of the state’s towns and villages. The network carries more than 5.5 million passengers every day.