3 weeks ago
MSRTC to run 5,220 extra buses for Ganesh Festival 2026
There is a big festival in Maharashtra called Ganesh festival, and lots of people travel to their hometowns in the Konkan region to celebrate with their families.
To help everyone get home, the state bus company MSRTC is adding 5,220 extra buses.
These extra buses will run from September 7 to September 25.
The man in charge, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, announced this plan on August 7.
People can book their tickets online through the MSRTC website or their mobile app.
Big groups of 40 or more people can book starting August 10.
Women and senior citizens can still get discounts on their tickets.
The bus company is also worried because they do not have enough drivers and workers, and some people make fake tickets.
So, officials will watch over big bus stations all day and night, and repair teams will be ready along the highways.
The company did something similar for an earlier festival called Ashadhi Ekadashi and it worked well.
MSRTC will operate 5,220 additional buses for the Ganesh festival rush between September 7 and 25.
The extra services mainly cater to passengers travelling from Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and nearby regions to the Konkan.
Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik announced the decision at a review meeting at MSRTC headquarters.
Online reservations are open via the official MSRTC website and mobile app, with group bookings for a minimum of 40 passengers beginning August 10.
The announcement comes amid concerns over staff shortages, fake tickets and misuse of online booking platforms; round-the-clock supervision and breakdown teams will be deployed.
- Who
- Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), led by Transport Minister and Chairman Pratap Sarnaik
- What
- Operation of 5,220 additional bus services for Ganesh festival travel to the Konkan region
- Where
- Maharashtra, primarily from Mumbai, Thane and Palghar to the Konkan region
- When
- Announced on August 7, 2026; additional services run from September 7 to 25
- Why
- To manage the massive festive travel rush of devotees returning to their native places in Konkan
Key facts
- Additional buses
- 5,220
- Service period
- September 7 to 25
- Announcement date
- August 7, 2026
- Announced by
- Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik
- Primary routes
- Mumbai, Thane, Palghar to Konkan
- Booking
- MSRTC website and MSRTC Bus Reservation mobile app; group bookings (40+ passengers) from August 10
- Concessions
- Women and senior citizens eligible under existing government schemes
- Key concerns
- Staff shortage, fake tickets and misuse of online booking platforms
Quotes
Pratap Sarnaik
Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman
“"Ganeshotsav shares an emotional bond with Konkan residents, and ST buses have always been an integral part of that journey. We are fully prepared to ensure smooth travel for devotees."”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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