The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is all set to cater to the needs of devotees participating in the annual Pandharpur Yatra, which will be commemorated on June 29 – Ashadi Ekadashi. To facilitate smooth travel and accommodate the increasing demand, MSRTC has announced the operation of 5,000 buses from various locations including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Ahmednagar, and more. Here are the details of this special initiative
5,000 Buses to Serve Devotees
- MSRTC will run 5,000 buses during the Pandharpur Yatra, starting from June 29 till July 5.
- The bus services will be available from major cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Ahmednagar, and other surrounding areas.
- Devotees can rely on these dedicated bus services to ensure a hassle-free journey to and from Pandharpur, the holy town of Lord Pandharpur.
Revival of Pandharpur Yatra
- Last year, due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the Pandharpur Yatra was restricted. However, with the situation improving, the pilgrimage resumed with certain guidelines.
- Considering the enthusiasm and demand from devotees, the MSRTC has taken the initiative to operate special bus services this year.
- The decision to run these additional buses aims to accommodate the increasing number of devotees who wish to participate in the sacred journey.
Bus Schedule and Routes
- As per MSRTC officials, 500 buses will operate from Mumbai, 1,000 from Nashik, 1,200 from Pune and Aurangabad each, and 700 from Amravati, among others.
- Additionally, for the Pandharpur Ringan festival on June 27, an extra fleet of 200 buses will be deployed to ensure convenient transportation for devotees.
- The MSRTC is dedicated to providing efficient and reliable bus services to cater to the needs of all pilgrims traveling to Pandharpur.
Temporary Bus Stations for Crowd Management
- To avoid overcrowding and ensure the smooth flow of traffic, the MSRTC has made arrangements for four temporary bus stations.
- These temporary bus stops will be set up at strategic locations including Chandrabhaga, Bhima, Pandurang (IIT College), and Vithal Kharkhana in Pandharpur.
- The introduction of these temporary bus stations will effectively manage the influx of pilgrims and streamline the overall transportation process.
Anticipated Increase in Ridership
- With the MSRTC already witnessing a daily ridership of 53 lahks, it is expected that the number will further rise during the Pandharpur Yatra.
- Devotees from various parts of Maharashtra and neighboring states are anticipated to take advantage of the bus services provided by the MSRTC for a convenient and safe pilgrimage experience.
As the Pandharpur Yatra approaches, the MSRTC stands committed to serving the devotees by offering efficient bus services. This initiative will not only facilitate seamless travel but also ensure the safety and comfort of all pilgrims. The MSRTC encourages devotees to take advantage of these bus services and embark on a spiritually fulfilling journey to the sacred town of Pandharpur.
