India, Jan. 2 -- The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has made it clear that if a 'Lal Pari' or ordinary state transport (ST) bus breaks down during a journey, passengers are entitled to continue their travel in Shiv Shahi, e-Shivai, or Shivneri buses coming from behind on the same route, without any additional charge. Transport minister Pratap Sarnaik on Tuesday issued strict instructions that if such stranded passengers are denied entry into alternative buses or asked to pay the fare difference for the onward journey, stringent action will be taken against the concerned drivers and conductors.

The MSRTC rules mandate that whenever any ST bus (ordinary, semi-luxury, luxury or air-conditioned) breaks down on a route d...