The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has announced plans to run 5,000 special buses for devotees traveling to Shri Kshetra Pandharpur for the Ashadhi Ekadashi Yatra. This initiative aims to accommodate the large number of pilgrims participating in this significant spiritual journey.
Special Arrangements for Villages
- Custom Bus Requests: This year, if 40 or more devotees from any village in Maharashtra make a joint request, they will be provided with an ST bus directly from their village to Pandharpur.
- Contact Information: Devotees are encouraged to contact their nearest bus depot to make arrangements for these special services.
Government Concessions
- Senior Citizen Benefits: The Amrit Jyeshtha Nagar Yojana, which offers free travel to senior citizens above 75 years, will be applicable during this journey.
- Women’s Discounts: The Mahila Samman Yojana, providing a 50% discount on ticket prices for women, will also be honored.
Last Year’s Success
- Previous Operations: Last year, MSRTC operated 4,245 special buses for the Ashadhi Yatra, safely transporting 18,30,934 devotees.
Transportation Planning Assistance
- Traffic Management: On the day of Ekadashi, MSRTC will assist the police administration in managing the heavy traffic and ensuring smooth transportation for pilgrims.
Temporary Bus Stations
To manage the large influx of pilgrims, MSRTC will establish four temporary bus stations in Pandharpur:
- Chandrabhaga Station
- Bhima Station
- Pandurang (ITI College) Station
- Vitthal Karkhana Yatra Station
These temporary stations are designed to prevent overcrowding and provide convenient travel options for the devotees, ensuring a seamless pilgrimage experience.
By offering these additional services and facilities, MSRTC aims to enhance the overall experience for the devotees participating in the Ashadhi Ekadashi Yatra, making their spiritual journey as smooth and convenient as possible.
Source : mumbailive
