Maharashtra Scales Up Bus Fleet For Ganeshotsav Travel Surge
Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is set to deploy over 5,000 additional buses across the state to manage the significant travel surge expected for the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, beginning August 27, 2025. This move is a crucial step to ensure smooth and accessible travel for thousands of devotees heading to their native places, particularly in the Konkan region. This year’s deployment marks a notable increase from the 4,300 extra buses provided last year, reflecting MSRTC’s enhanced preparedness for the festive rush.
Maharashtra’s MSRTC has strategically planned operations to cater to the high-demand routes, especially connecting major urban centers like Mumbai and Pune to the Konkan belt. The Pune division alone will operate between 250 to 300 special ST buses starting August 22, departing from key depots such as Swargate and Chinchwad to towns including Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Khed, Devrukh, Dapoli, Mandangad, Tivre, Lanja, and Sindhudurg. Similarly, major hubs like Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar will see increased services. Group bookings for these special buses commenced on July 22, with all relevant details available on the MSRTC website and mobile app, urging passengers to book early to secure their travel.
Maharashtra’s Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman emphasized that during Ganeshotsav, ensuring no one is left behind takes precedence over profit considerations, highlighting the deep cultural and emotional connection between the festival, Konkan residents, and the state transport service. To enhance accessibility, MSRTC is offering significant travel discounts: a 100% fare exemption for senior citizens under the “Amrit” category, a 50% discount for other senior citizens and women passengers, and special fares for differently-abled travelers. Safety measures are also a priority, with MSRTC deploying 24×7 staff at major bus stations and rapid response teams for vehicle repair and maintenance strategically positioned along key highways to address any technical issues or monsoon-related disruptions.
Maharashtra’s commitment to facilitating festive travel is evident in this large-scale deployment. By prioritizing passenger convenience, affordability, and safety through these extensive arrangements, MSRTC aims to provide a comfortable and secure journey home for thousands celebrating Ganeshotsav. This proactive approach underscores the state’s dedication to supporting its citizens during one of Maharashtra’s most cherished and significant cultural festivals.
