In a unique initiative to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will set up free public libraries at 75 major bus stations across the state.

The move, announced by Maharashtra Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik, aims to foster a reading culture and promote Marathi literature among the masses. Speaking to the media, Sarnaik said the initiative is being implemented under the guidance of MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde and senior BJP leader Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, as part of a broader push to make literature and knowledge more accessible to the public.

“These libraries, titled ‘Vachan Katta’, will not only preserve the legacy of Marathi literature but also create meaningful engagement spaces at bus stations,” Sarnaik said.

Each library will feature a curated collection of works by iconic Marathi writers and poets, including V.S. Khandekar, V.V. Shirwadkar (Kusumagraj), Narayan Surve, P.L. Deshpande, Namdeo Dhasal, Bhalchandra Nemade, Shankar Patil, V.P. Kale, and Vishwas Patil. In addition, essential reference books for MPSC and UPSC aspirants will be made available free of cost, alongside daily local newspapers.

Citizens can borrow books by registering with MSRTC officials at the respective stations and return them after reading. The service will be entirely free.

The initiative is part of a series of public-centric programmes being rolled out across Maharashtra departments on the instructions of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, to mark the Prime Minister’s milestone birthday. Officials emphasised that PM Modi has played a key role in promoting the status of the Marathi language, and this effort aligns with that vision.

“This is not just a tribute to the Prime Minister, but also a valuable gift to the people of Maharashtra—especially the youth and literature enthusiasts,” Sarnaik added.