Maharashtra witnessed a sharp increase in festive mobility this Dussehra, with bus bookings rising by 31 per cent compared to the previous season, underscoring how road transport remains a preferred choice for intercity travel. According to officials, the trend reflects the growing reliance on buses as families and individuals look to celebrate the festival with loved ones across the state.
A detailed travel data report highlighted that comfort-driven travel is shaping consumer choices. Nearly 84 per cent of bookings were for air-conditioned buses, while 87 per cent of passengers opted for sleeper coaches. Analysts note that this surge indicates a strong shift towards pre-booked, comfortable, and longer-distance journeys rather than last-minute travel decisions. The state’s busiest travel corridors reflected the festive rush. High-traffic routes included Mumbai–Kolhapur, Mumbai–Pune, Pune–Hyderabad, Kolhapur–Mumbai, Nagpur–Pune, and Pune–Nagpur, revealing that mobility patterns remain concentrated between large cities and regional hubs. The growing appeal of such routes points to how intercity connectivity continues to shape economic and social linkages across western India.
Demographic insights from the data add another layer to Maharashtra’s travel story. Women accounted for 32 per cent of overall bookings, highlighting the steady participation of women in long-distance bus travel. Nearly 45 per cent of travellers came from urban centres, while 33 per cent were from rural areas, indicating that demand is both city-driven and village-led. Industry observers argue that these figures are crucial for policymakers planning gender-friendly, inclusive, and sustainable mobility solutions. Officials emphasised that the rise in demand showcases changing consumer behaviour, as households increasingly plan travel in advance. The festive season is seen as a trigger for this surge, but the sustained demand for premium categories such as AC and sleeper buses suggests a deeper structural change in the way people view road-based intercity travel.
Mobility experts also note that this shift provides an opportunity to improve transport sustainability. Buses, particularly when modern fleets are equipped with cleaner fuel technology or electric propulsion, are considered more eco-efficient compared to private vehicles. The higher passenger density per trip makes them a critical tool for reducing carbon footprints during peak travel seasons. For a state like Maharashtra, where urbanisation and migration patterns create constant demand for regional travel, the strengthening of bus-based systems could help align mobility with climate goals. While festive travel traditionally places stress on transport infrastructure, the rise in organised bus bookings suggests that more citizens are willing to opt for structured, safe, and sustainable travel solutions. As demand grows across Maharashtra and Goa, industry experts see this festive season as a glimpse into how future travel behaviour could evolve, combining cultural traditions with greener and more inclusive mobility choices.
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