5,220 Extra ST Buses to Operate to Konkan for Ganeshotsav

Mumbai, August 7: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will operate 5,220 additional buses to Konkan during the upcoming Ganeshotsav festival, Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik announced on Friday.

The special services will run from September 7 to September 25 to cater to the large number of devotees and Konkan residents travelling from Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and surrounding areas for Ganesh Chaturthi. Lord Ganesha will arrive on September 14 this year.

Speaking at a review meeting held at the MSRTC headquarters, Sarnaik said the corporation is committed to providing convenient and safe transportation to passengers, irrespective of profit or loss.

“Ganeshotsav is deeply connected with the emotions and traditions of the people of Konkan. The bond between Ganpati, Konkan residents and ST buses is strong. Therefore, like every year, we are prepared to provide extensive services to passengers travelling to Konkan,” Sarnaik said.

Advance booking for the additional buses is available through the official MSRTC website and the MSRTC Bus Reservation mobile application. Passengers can also book tickets at bus stations.

Group Booking from August 10

Group booking for groups of at least 40 passengers will begin from August 10. Under the group booking facility, women and senior citizens will receive a 50% fare concession, while Amrut senior citizens will be eligible for a 100% fare concession.

The additional buses will operate from major bus stations in Mumbai, Thane and Palghar divisions from September 7.

To ensure smooth operations during the festival, senior officials and staff will remain deployed round the clock at major bus stations and stops. Vehicle repair teams will also be stationed at strategic locations along major Konkan highways to provide prompt assistance and ensure safe, uninterrupted travel.

Sarnaik said the MSRTC had recently operated around 5,200 additional buses for the Ashadhi Ekadashi pilgrimage, which received an overwhelming response from passengers and devotees. The corporation expects a similar demand during Ganeshotsav.