Subheadline: The initiative is intended to help Ganesh devotees travelling from Thane to Konkan and western Maharashtra, according to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Thane | September 7, 2026 — A free ST bus service involving 2,900 buses has been arranged from Thane for people travelling to their native places in Konkan and western Maharashtra during Ganeshotsav, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said on Monday.
Shinde made the announcement while speaking at a ticket distribution ceremony for the free bus service for Ganesh devotees. The initiative has been organised by the Shiv Sena, according to a report by Loksatta – Thane.
The service is intended to make seasonal travel more convenient for residents who want to return to their villages for the festival. Shinde said many people from Konkan and western Maharashtra living in and around Thane wish to travel home for Ganeshotsav, but not all passengers are able to secure tickets on trains or other modes of transport.
The announcement comes ahead of the annual festival, when travel demand rises between urban centres and towns and villages in the Konkan and western Maharashtra regions. The report did not provide details of the specific destinations, departure schedules, ticketing process, number of trips or the period for which the buses will operate.
Speaking at the event, Shinde described Ganeshotsav as more than a religious celebration, saying it also brings communities together and helps preserve cultural traditions. He referred to the role of public Ganesh mandals in conducting social awareness activities, thematic displays and other community-oriented programmes.
Shinde said the free travel initiative was being conducted as part of a social commitment, citing the principle of prioritising social work. He also said there was a determination to continue the initiative every year.
The announcement places Thane at the centre of a festival-season transport arrangement aimed at supporting passengers travelling towards Konkan and western Maharashtra. However, the available announcement does not specify whether the 2,900 buses will operate from multiple pickup points, how passengers will be allocated seats or which transport authority will manage day-to-day operations.
Further information on routes, departure times, passenger registration and the operating timetable was not included in the announcement reported by Loksatta – Thane.
