19 March,2014 03:19 AM IST | | Dheeraj Bengrut
To construct new bus station at Sangavi within 15 days, and arrange for additional buses to cater to the holiday rush
Keeping an eye on the upcoming holiday season, officials from Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), Pune division, have introduced special packages to Konkan and Goa.
Boarding point: Shivajinagar bus depot is one of the several depots in the city from where special buses will leave during holidays. Pic/Mohan Patil
In addition, a new bus station would be constructed in Sangavi within a fortnight to take care of the additional rush during holiday season.
"We have plans to start new bus routes and special packages for various spots in Konkan like Ratnagiri, Ganpatipule, Diveagar, Murud-Janjira and Dapoli, among others. Also, a dedicated bus route for Panaji would be started for summer vacations from this year.
Additional buses will be arranged for our division and advance booking for this year's trips has already commenced at our ST stands," said MSRTC Pune division controller Shailesh Chavhan. "We have a 9.5-acre plot in Sangavi, a portion of which would be converted into in a new bus station.
It will comprise a couple of sheds for passengers with benches, four platforms and two controllers, to look after operations. It will take couple of weeks to complete the work before the station becomes functional."
The special packages also include Raigad Ropeway, Lonavla-Bhushi Dam, Ashtvinayak darshan and many others. Moreover, some long-distance packages would cover places like Hyderabad, Ramoji City, Shree Shailyam and a mini South India tour.
Commuters speak
Sunanda Kale, who frequently uses MSRTC bus services, said, "Taking kids to new destinations, post-exams, is the biggest question that we parents face. Now that the MSRTC is offering special packages, travelling will be fun. Also, their bus fare is more affordable than private operators."
Mahavir Dange, a student from Latur, said, "Once my BCom exam concludes in April, I'll go back to my hometown to enjoy my two-month-long vacation. Every year, buses get packed to the hilt during summer vacations. The decision taken by the MSRTC to introduce additional services during vacation period is commendable. They should now focus on safety."
