MSRTC announces deployment of 5000 special buses for Ashadhi Yatra, bus service till village for group bookings

Mumbai, (June 11, 2024) – The Maharashtra State Transport (ST) Corporation has announced the deployment of 5000 special buses for devotees traveling to Sri Kshetra Pandharpur for the Ashadhi Yatra. This year, ST is offering a unique service for group bookings: if 40 or more devotees from any village in the state make a joint request, a direct bus will be provided from their village to Pandharpur.

Ashadhi Ekadashi sees lakhs of pilgrims from across the state visiting Sri Kshetra Pandharpur. While many travel by private vehicles, railways, or on foot, the special bus service aims to ease the journey for devotees. Last year, ST deployed 4245 special buses, transporting over 18.3 lakh devotees.

Direct Bus Service for Groups

This year’s special feature is the direct bus service from villages for groups of 40 or more devotees. ST Corporation urges devotees to contact their nearest station for this service. All government concessions, including the Amrit Jyeshtha Nagar Yojana (free travel for senior citizens above 75 years) and Mahila Samman Yojana (50% discount for women), will be applicable on these special buses.

Measures Against Free Riders

To prevent passengers from taking advantage of the rush and traveling without tickets, ST will set up checkpoints at 12 strategic locations on various routes to Pandharpur. These checkpoints will ensure that all passengers have valid tickets.

Traffic Management and Assistance

On the day of Ekadashi, traffic control is crucial as lakhs of pilgrims travel. This year, over 36 traffic controllers and security guards will work alongside the local police to manage traffic and ensure a smooth journey for all devotees.

Temporary Bus Stations

Four temporary bus stations will be established at Pandharpur to handle the large influx of pilgrims. The stations, named Chandrabhaga, Bhima, Pandurang (ITI College), and Vitthal Karkhana Yatra Station, will offer facilities such as drinking water, accessible toilets, computerized reservation centers, inquiry rooms, and guidance boards.

Here are the details the district-wise bus stations at Pandharpur:

The ST Corporation appeals to all devotees to take advantage of the safe and organized bus service provided for this holy journey.