5,200 Special ST Buses to Facilitate Ashadhi Yatra Pilgrims

📍Mumbai, In a significant move to ensure smooth travel for devotees during the upcoming Ashadhi Yatra, the Maharashtra State Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will deploy 5,200 special buses to Pandharpur, announced State Transport Minister and ST Corporation Chairman Pratap Sarnaik. The announcement was made during a planning meeting held in Pandharpur ahead of Ashadhi Ekadashi, attended by ST Vice Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Madhav Kusekar.

Highlighting this year’s enhanced services, Minister Sarnaik stated, “If 40 or more devotees from any village across Maharashtra make a group booking, a special bus will be arranged directly from that village to Pandharpur.” He urged devotees to contact their nearest ST depot to avail this facility.

📈 Increased Capacity from Last Year
Last year, MSRTC operated 5,000 special buses, safely transporting nearly 21 lakh pilgrims to Pandharpur. This year’s increase to 5,200 buses is expected to better accommodate the influx of devotees traveling by road, many of whom participate in traditional Dindis (pilgrim processions), while others travel via trains or private vehicles.

🪔 Government Travel Concessions Remain Active
All government travel schemes will remain applicable during the Yatra, including:

• Amrut Jyeshtha Nagarik Yojana: Free travel for senior citizens aged 75+
• Mahila Samman Yojana: 50% fare discount for women

🚨 Measures Against Ticketless Travel
To address issues of ticketless travel during the high-traffic Yatra period, MSRTC will establish 12 checkpoints along major routes to Pandharpur. Around 200 ST security personnel and officers will be deployed round the clock to monitor and curb fare evasion.

🛣 ST’s Role in Traffic Management
To minimize road congestion on the day of Ashadhi Ekadashi, especially when large numbers of pilgrims return to their hometowns, more than 36 traffic controllers and security guards will assist local police to maintain smooth vehicular movement.

🏕 Four Temporary Bus Terminals in Pandharpur
To manage the massive influx of pilgrims and prevent overcrowding, four temporary bus stations will be established in Pandharpur during the Yatra:

• Chandrabhaga Bus Stand: Serving passengers from Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Satara, Pune, and Pandharpur
• Bhima Yatra Bus Stand (Degaon): For travelers from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur, and Amravati regions
• Vitthal Karkhana Bus Stand: For Nashik, Jalgaon, Dhule, and Ahmednagar regions
• Pandurang Bus Stand: Catering to Sangli, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts

Each of these bus stations will be equipped with essential amenities, including clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, computerized reservation counters, and information desks.

☕ Free Refreshments for ST Staff
In recognition of their efforts during the Yatra, all ST officers and employees deployed in Pandharpur will be provided with complimentary tea, breakfast, and meals, as per Transport Minister Sarnaik.

In conclusion, the Minister appealed to all devotees and passengers to take full advantage of MSRTC’s secure and reliable transport services during the Ashadhi Yatra.