Planning a Ganpati Trip to Konkan? MSRTC Announces 5,220 Extra Buses, Group Bookings and Discounts

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has announced the operation of 5,220 extra bus services to the Konkan region to accommodate travellers heading home for the upcoming Ganesh festival. The special services will run from September 7 to September 25, ensuring seamless connectivity for devotees celebrating the festival.

Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik announced the deployment following a high-level review meeting at the MSRTC headquarters in Mumbai Central. MSRTC Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Dr Madhav Kusekar, along with senior department heads, attended the session to finalise logistical arrangements. MSRTC Announces 13.56% Fare Hike Effective July 17 as Rising Diesel Costs Hit Operations.

Pratap Sarnaik Confirms 5,220 Extra Bus Services to Konkan for Ganesh Festival

🗓️ ७ ऑगस्ट २०२६ | 📍मुंबई सेंट्रल

मुंबई, ठाणे, पालघर परिसरातील कोकणवासीयांसाठी अत्यंत जिव्हाळ्याच्या असलेल्या गणेशोत्सवानिमित्त एसटी महामंडळाने यंदा ७ सप्टेंबर ते २५ सप्टेंबर या कालावधीत ५,२२० जादा बसेस सोडण्याचा निर्णय घेण्यात आला.@msrtcofficial pic.twitter.com/6K6y1q1YL9

— Pratap Baburao Sarnaik (@PratapSarnaik) August 7, 2026

Special Services and Schedule

The Ganesh festival begins on September 14. To manage the massive annual rush of passengers travelling from Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar to the Konkan belt, the transport body has scaled up its fleet operations. "Ganesh festival is deeply connected to the cultural fabric of Konkan residents. MSRTC is committed to passenger service without focusing solely on profit and loss," Sarnaik stated, reports TV9 Marathi.

The initiative follows the successful deployment of 5,200 extra buses during the recent Ashadhi Ekadashi pilgrimage, replicating the high-capacity model to ensure smooth travel during the festive period. "Like every year, the MSRTC is fully prepared to serve devotees and passengers travelling to the Konkan region. Around 5,220 additional buses will operate on various routes during the festival," Sarnaik said.

Booking and Concessions

Individual ticket reservations for the special services are open. Passengers can book tickets through the official MSRTC website (npublic.msrtcors.com), via ticket counters at bus stations, or using the official "MSRTC Bus Reservation" mobile application. Additionally, group bookings for minimum groups of 40 travellers will commence on August 10. Applicable government travel concessions will extend to these bookings:

• Women and Senior Citizens: Eligible for a 50 per cent discount on ticket fares.
• Amrit Senior Citizens (aged 75 and above): Eligible for a 100 per cent fare waiver (free travel). MSRTC Salary Hike: Maharashtra Government Approves Major Salary, DA and HRA Hike for MSRTC Employees.

Highway Safety and Support

To ensure a hassle-free journey along congested routes, MSRTC has established special administrative measures. Senior officials will oversee round-the-clock operations at key bus terminals across Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar starting September 7. Furthermore, mobile vehicle repair units and temporary breakdown teams will be stationed at strategic locations along major highways leading to Konkan to address any mechanical issues swiftly and maintain uninterrupted service for travelers.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 07, 2026 06:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).