The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has stepped up to meet the surge in demand for travel during Diwali by rolling out 12,000 additional bus trips. These extra services, averaging around 500 trips per day, will continue until November 18, primarily aimed at accommodating long-distance travelers and easing the heavy flow of traffic expected this festive season. In preparation, MSRTC’s local State Transport (ST) divisions are also arranging added short-distance services for nearby routes to address the anticipated high traffic volumes.
Record-Breaking Ticket Sales
This year’s holiday demand has set new records for MSRTC. On October 25, the corporation achieved a milestone with 17,215 tickets booked through its mobile app in just one day—a new high for digital reservations. MSRTC officials emphasized that this rise in bookings reflects the growing popularity of the ST services as a reliable and budget-friendly travel option, especially for senior citizens and women, who receive fare concessions and have shown significant patronage.
Boost in Digital Bookings
MSRTC officials have highlighted that the substantial response to the corporation’s online reservation system and mobile app has been a game-changer this year. With more passengers opting for advance bookings, the corporation has been able to plan and coordinate additional services effectively, ensuring smoother travel experiences for passengers. The advance booking trend has also helped MSRTC anticipate peak travel periods and arrange extra services to match demand.
Festival Season Travel
To ensure the availability of buses during peak festival times, MSRTC strategically mobilizes its fleet and deploys additional vehicles and personnel as required. This approach allows the corporation to accommodate the seasonal spike in travelers while maintaining its regular services across Maharashtra. Over the years, these measures have provided passengers with a dependable transportation option during festivals, reducing the challenges of securing tickets and enabling families to connect with loved ones more conveniently. The increased festival services reflect MSRTC's ongoing commitment to passenger needs, especially during culturally significant celebrations like Diwali.
Expansive Fleet
The MSRTC network plays a critical role in providing accessible transportation across Maharashtra, particularly in remote areas. Additionally, MSRTC operates some services in neighboring states. With an expansive fleet of approximately 16,000 buses, MSRTC serves around 5.3 million passengers daily, proving its importance as a reliable travel service provider for Maharashtra residents, especially during high-demand periods such as the Diwali festival.