The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will operate 1,150 additional buses across the state to ferry devotees to Pandharpur for the Kartiki Ekadashi Yatra, scheduled to conclude on November 2. The announcement was made by Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik.
According to officials, the extra bus services will run between October 28 and November 3 from the ‘Chandrabhaga’ Yatra Bus Stand in Pandharpur. The facility has 17 platforms and parking space for about 1,000 buses. Accommodation arrangements have also been made for MSRTC staff and officers on duty.
To manage the expected rush, over 120 ST employees will be deployed at the bus stand on the main day of the Yatra. Dedicated repair teams and mobile maintenance units will be stationed outside Pandharpur to handle vehicle breakdowns. A special ‘Hirakani Room’ has also been set up for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
For the convenience of devotees, MSRTC will provide direct buses from villages to Pandharpur if a group of more than 40 passengers makes a joint booking. The corporation will continue to offer a 50 per cent fare discount for senior citizens and women, while passengers aged 75 and above can travel free of cost.
Last year, MSRTC had operated 1,055 additional buses during the Kartiki Yatra, transporting over 3.72 lakh devotees and earning around Rs 6 crore in revenue.
“This year too, thousands of MSRTC employees will work round the clock to ensure the safe and comfortable travel of lakhs of devotees,” Sarnaik said.
Kurnool bus fire: MSRTC launches awareness campaign for passengers safety
In the wake of the tragic Kurnool bus fire tragedy in Andhra Pradesh that claimed the lives of 20 passengers, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has launched a new public awareness campaign.
Th awareness campaign has been named as `Sleeper Bus Passenger Safety Guidance`.
The initiative aims to educate passengers on safety measures and emergency preparedness during travel.
Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik announced the campaign, stressing that passenger awareness is the key to safe travel.
“Sleeper buses may be comfortable, but ignoring safety guidelines can prove dangerous. If passengers stay alert and informed, such tragic incidents can be avoided,” Pratap Sarnaik said.
According to transport safety experts, during a fire or accident, knowing how to exit the bus quickly can save lives. The campaign highlights key emergency routes and safety tips during travel including, always keep the main door clear and unlocked, emergency exit door must never be blocked by luggage or objects, most buses have two to three roof hatches that can be used in emergencies, the emergency hammer is located near windows, it can be used to break glass for escape.
Passenger safety guidelines
Passengers are advised to follow these key safety steps:
Identify all exit routes after boarding.
Do not keep luggage in front of the emergency exit.
Locate and learn how to use the emergency hammer.
Stay calm during emergencies and act promptly.
If clothes catch fire, extinguish it using water or a blanket.
If smoke fills the bus, crawl close to the floor and move out.
Never try to save personal belongings during evacuation.
Drivers and conductors must brief passengers about exits before departure.
Additional safety precautions during travel-
The Transport Department has also shared a few extra safety tips:
Report any signs of smoke, burning smell, or overheating of charging points to the driver immediately.
Do not carry flammable materials, firecrackers, or petroleum products on board.
Stay extra alert during night journeys.
In case of emergency, contact 100, 108, or the local fire brigade.
