MSRTC Scales Up for Ganeshotsav Travel Surge
With Ganesh Chaturthi set for August 27, Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is preparing for one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. Over 5,000 additional buses will be deployed across the state, especially on the high-demand Mumbai–Konkan and Pune–Konkan routes.
This marks a significant rise from last year’s 4,300 extra buses, underscoring MSRTC’s readiness to meet growing demand.
Pune Division to Run 300+ Special Buses
MSRTC’s Pune division will operate 250 to 300 special ST buses starting August 22. These will run from Swargate and Chinchwad depots to key Konkan towns such as:
- Chiplun
- Ratnagiri
- Khed
- Devrukh
- Dapoli
- Mandangad
- Tivre
- Lanja
- Sindhudurg
Divisional Controller Arun Siya confirmed that all details will be shared via the MSRTC website and mobile app, and urged passengers to book early—especially for group travel.
Statewide Operations: A Festival Travel Lifeline
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik emphasized the cultural and emotional connection between Lord Ganesha, Konkan workers, and ST buses. He stated that profit takes a backseat during Ganeshotsav, with the focus firmly on ensuring no one is left behind.
Major hubs benefiting from extra services include Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Pune.
Travel Discounts and Passenger Support
To support accessibility and ease of travel, MSRTC is offering:
- 100% fare exemption for senior citizens under the “Amrit” category
- 50% discount for other senior citizens and women passengers
- Special fares for differently-abled travelers
In terms of safety, MSRTC is deploying:
- 24×7 staff at major bus stations
- Rapid response teams for vehicle repair and maintenance
- Preparedness for monsoon disruptions like waterlogging and landslides
With the festive spirit in full swing, MSRTC’s large-scale deployment and focus on safety and affordability promise a smooth journey home for thousands of Ganesh devotees.
