With Diwali just around the corner, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is gearing up to meet the increased travel demand by deploying 250 additional buses. This move comes in response to the expected surge in passengers traveling from Pune to various parts of Maharashtra during the festive season.
To address the shortage of buses in the MSRTC fleet, extra buses from divisions like Beed, Latur, Akola, and Nashik will be brought in to support the Pune division. The aim is to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience for passengers and avoid any inconvenience during this busy time.
It’s a common sight during Diwali to see people from Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad heading back to their hometowns, leading to overcrowded trains and buses. Private bus operators tend to hike up ticket prices, prompting passengers to secure their seats in advance. However, key bus depots in Pune, such as Swargate, Shivajinagar, Pune Station, and Vallabhnagar, are currently facing a shortage of buses.
Out of the 815 buses in the Pune division, 521 have exceeded their 10-year age limit and are no longer suitable for long-distance travel due to frequent breakdowns. While some routes are serviced by modern e-Shivneri and Shivai buses, passengers on other routes are left to rely on older, less reliable buses.
In a bid to address this issue, MSRTC is bringing in additional buses from different depots across the state. The introduction of new e-Shivai, Shivneri, and “Lal Pari” buses has been delayed but is expected to happen around or after Diwali. The demand for MSRTC services has surged by 1.5 times, thanks to various concessions being offered to passengers.
MSRTC officials are stressing the importance of long-term planning to ensure the corporation can cater to the growing number of passengers effectively. It’s not just about providing temporary solutions for Diwali but also about investing in a permanent expansion of the fleet to meet the ongoing demand.
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