State-run transport body MSRTChas suffered a loss of over Rs 3 crore due to cancellation of nearly 21,000 bus services since March 11 in view of the coronavirus outbreak in Maharashtra and low occupancy, said officials on Tuesday.A Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) spokesperson said the undertaking has cancelled 20,957 services since March 11 due to the coronavirus outbreak which has reduced number of passengers travelling in its buses.Of these, 9,262 services were cancelled on March 16 alone, causing a loss of Rs 1.28 crore to the corporation, he said.Overall, the corporation has suffered a loss of Rs 3.17 crore due to cancellation of services since March 11, the spokesperson said.MSRTC is one of the biggest road transport corporations in the country, which daily ferries over 65 lakh commuters in its fleet comprising around 18,000 buses.Meanwhile, Maharashtra Transport Minister Anil Parab has directed MSRTC to provide masks to its employees who directly come in contact with people during their duty for avoiding the coronavirus infection.The minister had already directed disinfection and cleanliness of buses and bus stations.
