MSRTC: Bus conductor runs 21km to reach office on time amidst COVID-19 crisis

Devidas Jaisingh Rathod, an employee of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has set an perfect example of how one should be true towards their duty. 

55 year old Rathod is a conductor on a bus that ferries on a daily basis from Palghar, 21 km from his home, to the central Mumbai bus depot, Dadar. 

He has an important duty assigned to him during the COVID-19 crisis which is ferrying of 25 doctors and nurses to KEM Hospital in Mumbai. 

On a daily basis Rathod takes lift or hitches a ride on trucks that pass by Manor. They drop him off at Palghar. Because most truck drivers had a holiday on Sunday. Therefore, Devidas decided to run 21 km to reach Palghar. So that he could report on right time on his duty. 

“I could not let them down as the doctors and nurses are treating Covid-19 patients and they are my daily passengers,” said Rathod.

Rathod loves running and has also participated in several marathons.

Deputy manager of Palghar depot, Nitin Chavan, later honoured Rathod in a small ceremony.