72 special trains, 2,200 MSRTC buses set for Ganapati festival

MSRTC buses parked at a depot in Thane. File pic

The annual planning of transport for the 10-day Ganapati festival is now in place for road and rail, with 72 special trains and 2,200 MSRTC buses to the Konkan. They have been announced along with logistical support of mini-garages and staff mechanics to fix them along highways. The new Minister of State for Railways Raosaheb Danve said on Thursday that if required, the railways will run even more trains. Thousands of people living in Mumbai return to their native villages in Konkan to celebrate the festival each year.

Danve has appealed to commuters to follow COVID-19 protocols. The trains will operate from September 5 to September 23. Bookings begin on special charges from July 8 at all Passenger Reservation Centres and online at www.irctc.co.in

Officials said only passengers with confirmed tickets can board trains and COVID SOPs during boarding, travel and at destinations will have to be followed. MSRTC will run 2,200 additional buses from Mumbai to Konkan for the Ganesh festival. "The bookings will be opened from July 16, MSRTC officials said, adding that the buses will leave for Konkan from the main bus stands at Mumbai, Thane, Palghar from September 4.

"The return journeys will commence from September 14 to September 20," Maharashtra Transport Minister Anil Parab said.