The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has announced plans to operate 5,000 special buses to facilitate the transportation of devotees traveling to Shri Kshetra Pandharpur. This year, groups of 40 or more devotees from any village in the state can request a direct bus from their village to Pandharpur, ensuring a smooth and convenient journey for all participants.

The Ashadhi Ekadashi pilgrimage sees lakhs of pilgrims visiting Kshetra Pandharpur annually, with devotees often traveling by private vehicles, railways, or on foot. This year, MSRTC’s initiative to provide direct bus services aims to enhance the travel experience for pilgrims, ensuring safety and convenience. Special buses will be dispatched from villages with at least 40 passengers. Additionally, government concessions such as the Amrit Jyeshtha Nagar Yojana, offering free travel for senior citizens above 75 years, and the Mahila Samman Yojana, providing a 50% discount on ticket prices for women, will be applicable for these journeys.

Last year, MSRTC operated 4,245 special buses for the Ashadhi Yatra, safely transporting 18,30,934 devotees. This year’s initiative expands on that success by increasing the number of special buses and offering additional services.

Meanwhile, to prevent unauthorized free travel during the yatra, MSRTC will establish 12 checkpoints along various routes to Pandharpur. These checkpoints will ensure that all passengers have valid tickets, thereby maintaining order and fairness during the pilgrimage period.

On Ekadashi day, which sees a significant influx of pilgrims, more than 36 traffic controllers and security guards will collaborate with the local police administration to manage traffic effectively. MSRTC will assist in maintaining smooth traffic flow, ensuring a hassle-free journey for all pilgrims.

“To accommodate the passenger rush, four temporary bus stations will be set up in Pandharpur: Chandrabhaga, Bhima, Pandurang (ITI College), and Vitthal Karkhana Yatra Station. These stations will help manage the crowd and provide essential facilities, including drinking water, accessible toilets, computerized reservation centres, inquiry rooms, and guidance boards”, informed Abhijit Bhosle, Public Relations Officer, MSRTC.

Bus Stations and Departure Regions

 1. Chandrabhaga Bus Stand: Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Satara, Pune Division, and Pandharpur Agar

2. Bhima Yatra Degaon: Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Nagpur, and Amravati Region

3. Vitthal Factory: Nashik, Jalgaon, Dhule, Ahmednagar

4. Pandurang Bus Stand: Sangli, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg