In view of the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, also known as Ganeshotsav, on August 27, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will operate 5,000 additional buses between August 23 and September 7 to facilitate travel to the Konkan region. Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik made the announcement following a review meeting at Mantralaya.
The Ganeshotsav holds deep emotional significance for the Konkan-bound population living in Mumbai and surrounding urban areas. Addressing the media, Sarnaik said, “There is an inseparable bond between Lord Ganesha, Konkan workers, and ST buses. Every year, regardless of profit or loss, MSRTC ensures bus services to their hometowns for Ganeshotsav. This year too, around 5,000 additional buses will run on Konkan routes.”
Bookings for these buses can be made through the MSRTC website (npublic.msrtcors.com), at ST depots, or via the MSRTC Bus Reservation app. The buses will operate from major depots in Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar.
Vice Chairman and Managing Director Dr Madhav Kusekar and senior MSRTC officials were present during the meeting. Sarnaik noted that this special deployment follows the successful operation of 5,200 additional buses for the Ashadhi Ekadashi pilgrimage earlier this month, which received a strong response from passengers.
To make the travel experience more accessible, group reservations for the special buses will open from July 22. Under the scheme, senior citizens in the “Amrit” category will receive a 100 per cent fare exemption, while women and regular senior citizens will be eligible for a 50 per cent discount.
In 2024, MSRTC had operated around 4,300 additional buses for the festival. This year’s increase in services reflects growing demand.
To ensure smooth travel during the festive rush, MSRTC staff will be deployed around the clock at major bus stations. Vehicle maintenance teams will also be stationed at critical points along Konkan highways to assist in case of breakdowns.
Ganeshotsav declared as `State Festival of Maharashtra`
The over-a-century-old `Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav` was officially declared as the `State Festival of Maharashtra`, with the government asserting that it was committed to preserving and promoting the cultural legacy of the festival.
Making the announcement in the legislative assembly, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said, “Ganeshotsav is not just a celebration. It is a symbol of Maharashtra`s cultural pride and identity.”
The minister said in a statement that Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav (public celebration of Ganesh festival) in Maharashtra was started by Lokmanya (Bal Gangadhar) Tilak in 1893. “The very essence of this festival is rooted in social unity, nationalism, the spirit of freedom, self-respect, and pride in our language,” he said.
