**Additional State Transport Buses Arranged in Pune for Diwali to Ease Travel**
To manage the surge in passenger traffic and prevent overcrowding during the upcoming Diwali festival, nearly 600 additional State Transport (ST) buses have been arranged from Pune to various regions, including Marathwada, Vidarbha, and others. These extra buses will operate from October 15 to November 5, departing from key bus stations in Pimpri Chinchwad such as Vallabhnagar, Shivajinagar, and Swargate.
### Extra Buses for Marathwada, Vidarbha, and Surrounding Regions
Traditionally, additional buses to Marathwada, Vidarbha, and Khandesh were run from the Khadki Cantonment bus stop. However, due to the inadequacy of this stop for handling increased traffic, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) sought a new location this year.
MSRTC had proposed the ‘Aarey’ site near Wakdewadi bus station, but since this area is owned by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), the request was declined. Consequently, the ST Corporation decided to operate extra buses from the Pimpri-Chinchwad depot.
A nearby ground has been rented to park these additional buses, which will depart from the Vallabhnagar depot—a location conveniently connected to the Pune metro network. The ST administration has planned to deploy 396 extra buses from this depot, which is expected to significantly ease passenger commuting during the festive season.
### Additional Services for Western Maharashtra: Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, and Konkan
For passengers traveling to western Maharashtra destinations like Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, and the Konkan region, extra bus services will be available from the Swargate ST bus stop alongside the regular services.
A total of 113 additional buses will operate from Swargate, while another 80 will depart from the Shivajinagar depot. The corporation has undertaken meticulous planning to avoid overcrowding at bus stops, ensuring a smooth travel experience for all passengers.
### No Fare Increase; Online Booking Available
Importantly, there will be no hike in ticket prices for these additional services. MSRTC encourages passengers to choose state transport buses for their Diwali travel needs, citing affordability and convenience.
Online booking for the extra buses has already commenced. Passengers can reserve tickets through the official MSRTC website or via the mobile app. Additionally, ticket reservations are available at official ticket booking centers located in ST bus depots.
### Catering to Migrant Passengers Returning Home for Diwali
Pune, being a hub for jobs, education, and business, sees a significant influx of migrants during the year, many of whom return to their native places during Diwali. These additional bus services are expected to immensely benefit such passengers, providing them convenient and reliable transport options to reach their hometowns comfortably.
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With these enhanced services, MSRTC aims to facilitate smooth and safe travel for thousands of passengers during the festive season, helping them reconnect with their families and celebrate Diwali without travel-related hassles.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/msrtc-deploys-nearly-600-st-buses-from-pune-to-marathwada-vidarbha-western-maharashtra-to-ease-diwali-rush