Gujarat ST buses will run 2,400 additional services during the Diwali and Gujarati New Year travel period, with the largest deployment planned from Surat for workers and migrant passengers travelling to their hometowns. More than 8,000 extra trips will be operated across the state between November 4 and 7, according to a report by Divya Bhaskar.
The Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) has planned special operations to manage the seasonal rush from Surat towards Saurashtra, North Gujarat and Panchmahal. Surat is expected to receive the highest number of additional buses because large numbers of diamond workers and other employees living in the city travel collectively to their native places during Diwali.
The principal destinations identified in the report include Bhavnagar, Amreli, Junagadh and Rajkot in Saurashtra, along with areas of North Gujarat and Panchmahal. The additional services are intended to help passengers reach their destinations safely and on time during one of the busiest annual travel periods in Gujarat.
Apart from Surat, additional buses will also be operated from major depots and bus stations in Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Vadodara, Mehsana, Patan and Palanpur. These services will run in addition to the regular schedules and are planned to operate continuously from November 4 to November 7.
The seasonal transport plan highlights the scale of movement created by Gujarat’s urban employment centres. Surat’s diamond and industrial economy attracts workers from several regions, while the Diwali holiday creates a concentrated period of return travel. The special bus operation is therefore designed around established travel corridors between employment hubs and workers’ hometowns.
Passengers will be able to make current and advance reservations through the GSRTC’s official website or at any depot. The corporation has also provided a toll-free number, 1800 233 666666, for round-the-clock information and enquiries about bus operations during the festival period.
The additional services will remain in operation through November 7, covering the travel window announced by GSRTC for the Diwali and Gujarati New Year rush.
