Corporation Signs MoU with Toyota Kirloskar Motor in Presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
Mumbai, Sept 2026 : Taking an important step towards the safety, health and dignity of lakhs of women passengers in Maharashtra, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited for setting up 125 ‘Hirkani Rooms’.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik were also present on the occasion.
The ‘Hirkani Rooms’ will be set up with the objective of providing women, particularly breastfeeding mothers, with a clean, safe and private space to take care of their babies while travelling. The initiative will be important in providing the sensitivity and facilities required for motherhood at ST bus stations.
Facilities Through Toyota Kirloskar’s CSR Funds
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited will support the project under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. As per the MoU, prefabricated ‘Hirkani Rooms’, measuring approximately 3 metres × 3 metres, will be constructed at ST bus stations across the state.
These rooms will provide mothers with a safe and private space for breastfeeding and taking care of their babies. The project will also include necessary furniture, fixtures, internal wiring, electrification and electronic equipment.
125 Rooms to be Set Up in Three Years
As per the plan under the MoU, a total of 125 ‘Hirkani Rooms’ will be established over three financial years. Of these, 50 rooms will be constructed in 2026-27, another 50 in 2027-28 and 25 in 2028-29.
The agreement also provides for necessary changes in the number of rooms depending on the CSR policy, availability of space and local requirements.
Responsibilities of ST Defined
For the project, the ST Corporation is expected to provide approximately 5 metres × 5 metres of space, facilitate the provision of necessary electricity and water, assist with installation and obtain the required government permissions.
After completion of the project and transfer of the equipment and facilities to the Corporation, the entire responsibility for operation, security, repairs, maintenance and supervision of the rooms will rest with the ST Corporation.
Importantly, the MoU specifies that the ST Corporation will make no financial contribution towards the project. The project will be implemented through Toyota Kirloskar’s CSR initiative.
ST to Become More Sensitive and Safer for Women
ST is not merely a transport service but a public lifeline connected with the social life of Maharashtra. With ST serving lakhs of passengers every day from rural areas to cities, the availability of dedicated facilities for breastfeeding mothers at its bus stations will certainly enhance the dignity of women passengers and positively improve their travel experience.
“‘Hirkani Rooms’ will not merely be a facility project but a sensitive step towards respecting motherhood, recognising the needs of women and creating a passenger-centric ST system,” said Transport Minister and ST Corporation Chairman Pratap Sarnaik.
