MSRTC to Run 1,150 Additional Buses for Kartiki Ekadashi Pandharpur Yatra; Special Direct Village-to-Pandharpur Service Announced
Lakhs of devotees set to travel safely and comfortably to Pandharpur for the holy Kartiki Ekadashi pilgrimage; MSRTC gears up with extra buses, staff deployment, and improved facilities.
Mumbai:
In a major relief for devotees traveling to Pandharpur for the upcoming Kartiki Ekadashi Yatra, Maharashtra Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik has announced the operation of 1,150 additional ST (State Transport) buses. The holy day falls on November 2, 2025, and the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has made elaborate arrangements to ensure the safe and convenient travel of lakhs of Warkari devotees from across the state.
The special Yatra services will operate between October 28 and November 3, 2025, from the Chandrabhaga Bus Station in Pandharpur. The depot features 16 platforms and parking facilities for nearly 1,000 buses, along with accommodation for ST staff. On the main Yatra day, over 120 officers and employees will be deployed for crowd management.
To handle emergencies efficiently, mobile maintenance units will be stationed around Pandharpur to repair any bus breakdowns. Special facilities like the ‘Hirakani Room’ have been set up at the bus station for pregnant and lactating mothers, ensuring comfort and safety for women passengers.
Direct Bus Service from Villages to Pandharpur
MSRTC has also introduced a direct bus service from villages to Pandharpur. If more than 40 passengers from any village request transport, a dedicated bus will be arranged from that location straight to Pandharpur. Devotees can contact their nearest ST depot for advance reservations.
Discounts for Senior Citizens and Women Continue
According to MSRTC rules, senior citizens above 65 years will continue to receive a 50% discount, while those above 75 years can travel free of cost under the Amrut Jyestha Nagarik Yojana. Similarly, women passengers will enjoy a 50% fare concession under the Mahila Sanman Yojana.
Last year, MSRTC had operated 1,055 special buses, transporting around 3.72 lakh devotees and earning approximately ₹6 crore in revenue. Minister Pratap Sarnaik assured that thousands of MSRTC employees are working round-the-clock this year to provide a smooth, safe, and comfortable journey for all Warkari devotees heading to Pandharpur.
