MSRTC to Deploy 250 300 Additional Buses for Ganeshotsav Travel to Konkan
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has announced plans to operate 250 to 300 additional buses from Pune to the Konkan region starting August 22, to cater to the festive rush ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi on August 27. This initiative comes as all regular state transport bus bookings from Pune’s Swargate and Chinchwad depots for the festival were filled two months in advance, underscoring the high demand for travel to ancestral homes in Konkan.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has directed MSRTC to ensure smooth operations, including the deployment of technical repair teams at key locations along the routes and round-the-clock staff presence at major bus stations and stops. This is particularly crucial given the challenging terrain and potential monsoon-related disruptions. These special services will cover key routes to Konkan towns such as Chiplun, Dapoli, Ratnagiri, Khed, Devrukh, Mandangad, Tivre, Sindhudurg, and Lanja. Travelers are encouraged to book their tickets in advance or as groups to facilitate better fleet planning.
The decision to run additional buses is a direct response to the overwhelming demand from passengers, many of whom, like Vaishali Patil from Ratnagiri, book their tickets months in advance due to the annual rush. Last year, the Pune division successfully operated 251 extra trips, generating nearly ₹59.75 lakh in additional revenue. This year, MSRTC will continue to offer fare concessions for women, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, making travel more accessible for a wider range of commuters.
Information regarding these additional services will be readily available on the MSRTC website and mobile app. The proactive measures, including dedicated repair teams and 24-hour staff support, aim to provide a more reliable and comfortable travel experience, especially for vulnerable groups like senior citizens during the unpredictable monsoon season. This effort highlights MSRTC’s commitment to facilitating festive travel during one of Maharashtra’s most significant cultural celebrations.
