MSRTC to run 5,200 special buses for Pandharpur’s Ashadhi Yatra. Devotees can request village pickup. Ticket checks, regional bus stations, and staff amenities aim for a smooth pilgrimage experience
Pandharpur | June 13, 2025: In a major move to support the massive annual Ashadhi Ekadashi pilgrimage, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will deploy 5,200 special buses for devotees traveling to Pandharpur. This was announced by Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik during a preparatory meeting in Pandharpur, with MSRTC MD Dr. Madhav Kusekar also in attendance.
A key highlight this year is that if 40 or more devotees from any village request a group booking, a dedicated bus will be arranged directly from their village to Pandharpur. Devotees can approach their local ST depot to avail of this facility.
Lakhs of devotees travel to Pandharpur by foot, ST buses, private vehicles, or trains to take part in this spiritually significant event. To streamline transportation, MSRTC is offering direct buses from rural areas, ensuring safer and more convenient travel.
All existing travel schemes and benefits will apply during the Yatra — including free travel for citizens aged 75 and above, and half-ticket fare for women under the Mahila Samman Yojana.
Last year, the MSRTC operated 5,000 buses that carried around 21 lakh passengers. This year, with increased numbers expected, additional arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth experience.
To prevent misuse of the system and discourage ticketless travel, 12 checkposts will be set up on key routes to Pandharpur. Over 200 ST officials and security staff will be deployed round-the-clock to carry out ticket checks and enforce regulations.
To reduce traffic congestion on Ekadashi day, 36 traffic controllers and ST security personnel will work alongside the local police to maintain order on the roads.
To manage the surge of travelers, four temporary bus stations will be established in Pandharpur, each assigned to specific regions:
- Chandrabhaga Bus Station: For buses from Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Raigad, Satara, and the local Pandharpur depot.
- Bhima Yatra Station (Degaon): For buses from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Nagpur, and Amravati.
- Vitthal Karkhana Station: For passengers from Nashik, Jalgaon, Ahmednagar, and Dhule.
- Pandurang Bus Stand: For buses coming from Sangli, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg.
These temporary bus stations will be equipped with toilets, clean drinking water, reservation counters, and help desks for the convenience of the pilgrims.
In recognition of their service during the Yatra, free meals, tea, and breakfast will be provided to all MSRTC staff members posted in Pandharpur during this time, announced Minister Sarnaik.
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