Pune ST division to run 900 extra buses for Diwali, Marathwada and Vidarbha routes in most demand

The number of passengers heading to their villages has begun to rise as Diwali nears. In view of this, the Pune ST division has planned to run 900 extra buses. Advance booking for these buses has also been opened.

According to the division, about 300 of these extra buses have already been fully booked. Buses to Marathwada, Vidarbha and Khandesh are getting the strongest response from passengers, which shows people prefer to travel by ST during the Diwali holidays.

The reason is clear. Many people living in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad for work, business and studies go to their native villages to celebrate the festival. This is why ST bus stands are heavily crowded every year at Diwali. With this crowd in mind, the Pune ST division has decided to provide 900 extra buses along with its regular bus schedule.

On some routes, bookings have already exceeded capacity. Passengers whose travel is already fixed are preferring advance booking, which avoids the last-minute rush for tickets. Depending on seat availability, passengers will get the facility to travel even at the last minute.

To spread out the crowd of passengers from Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, extra buses are planned from Swargate, Shivajinagar, Pimpri and Vallabhnagar.

Divisional Transport Officer Kamlesh Dhanrale said, "In view of the growing crowd of passengers going to their villages for Diwali, 900 extra buses have been planned along with the regular buses. About 300 buses have been booked so far. Passengers are responding well on the Marathwada, Vidarbha and Khandesh routes. Passengers should plan their journey with advance booking as far as possible. Depending on seat availability, travel will be possible at the last minute too."

Women get a 50 per cent discount on ST tickets, while Amrit Jyeshtha Nagrik (senior citizens) travel free. Taking advantage of these concessions, many passengers are choosing to travel by ST. ST fares are economical compared with private buses, so ST remains a cheap and convenient option for passengers during Diwali as well.

The ST plan for Diwali at a glance: 900 extra buses in all, about 300 already booked, with the strongest response on Marathwada, Vidarbha and Khandesh routes. Buses will leave from Swargate, Shivajinagar, Pimpri and Vallabhnagar. Women get a 50 per cent discount on tickets and Amrit Jyeshtha Nagrik travel free.