MSRTC to Run Over 5,000 Extra Buses for Ganesh Festival; Pune Division Adds 250+ Services to Konkan Region

With the Ganesh Chaturthi festival approaching on August 27, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is preparing to handle the surge in travel demand by deploying more than 5,000 additional buses across the state. A major focus will be on routes connecting urban centers like Pune and Mumbai to the Konkan region—home to thousands of people returning for the festive celebrations.

Pune Division to Deploy 250–300 Extra Buses to Konkan

The Pune division of MSRTC has announced that it will operate between 250 and 300 special ST buses from August 22, five days before Ganesh Chaturthi. These services will run from Pune’s Swargate and Chinchwad depots to key Konkan towns including Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Dapoli, Khed, Devrukh, Mandangad, Tivre, Lanja, and Sindhudurg.

Due to high demand, seats on regular buses were booked out almost two months in advance. To accommodate the rush, MSRTC Pune has scheduled additional services and urged passengers to make early reservations—especially for group travel.

Arun Siya, Divisional Controller of MSRTC Pune, said, “We’re running over 250 additional buses from Pune to Konkan for Ganeshotsav this year. Operations begin August 22, and details will be made available on the MSRTC website and mobile app.”

Last year, the Pune division operated 251 extra buses during the festival, generating ₹59.75 lakh in additional revenue.

Statewide Boost: 5,000 Special Buses Across Maharashtra

State Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik confirmed after a recent review meeting that 5,000 additional buses will operate between August 23 and September 7, targeting major depots in Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar, as well as Pune.

“There is a deep bond between Lord Ganesha, Konkan workers, and ST buses. Every year, we ensure that no one is left behind—profit or loss is secondary,” Sarnaik stated.

Passengers can book these special services through the MSRTC website, the ST Bus Reservation app, or directly at MSRTC depots. Group bookings for Ganeshotsav buses open from July 22.

Travel Discounts and Safety Measures in Place

Special fare concessions will be provided during the Ganesh festival travel window:

• 100% fare exemption for senior citizens under the “Amrit” category
• 50% fare discount for other senior citizens and women passengers
• Concessions also apply for differently-abled travelers

To ensure safety and minimize travel disruptions, MSRTC has rolled out multiple support measures:

• 24×7 staff deployment at key bus stations
• Repair and maintenance teams placed at vulnerable points along the Pune–Konkan route
• Enhanced readiness for monsoon-related issues such as landslides and water-logging

MSRTC officials, including Vice Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Madhav Kusekar, are closely monitoring operations to ensure smooth and safe travel.

This year’s move to run over 5,000 extra buses marks a notable increase from 2024, when 4,300 additional buses were deployed. The increase reflects both rising demand and MSRTC’s commitment to supporting public travel during one of Maharashtra’s most important cultural festivals.