Additional Bus Services Announced for Malad's Erangal Jatra to Ease Travel

Special transport arrangements have been put in place in Mumbai to facilitate the movement of devotees attending the annual Erangal Jatra, a prominent religious fair held in Malad (West). The initiative has been undertaken by Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking, with the objective of ensuring smooth, safe, and convenient travel during the day-long event scheduled for a Sunday in the second week of January.

In view of the large turnout expected at the Erangal Jatra every year, additional bus services have been planned to operate throughout the day. A total of 57 extra buses have been allocated exclusively for the occasion and will remain in service from early morning until late evening. These services are expected to significantly reduce congestion and waiting times for passengers travelling to and from the venue.

The Erangal Jatra is a well-known religious gathering that draws devotees from across Mumbai and surrounding suburbs. Visitors traditionally travel to Erangal village to attend prayers at the local church, resulting in heavy passenger movement along key transport corridors in western Mumbai. Recognising this recurring demand, enhanced connectivity has been prioritised as part of the festival arrangements.

Dedicated services have been planned on important bus routes connecting suburban railway stations with Erangal village and nearby coastal locations. Route No. 271 has been strengthened to provide seamless connectivity between Malad Station (West), Erangal village, Madh Jetty, and Marve Chowpatty. In addition, Route No. A-269, which links Borivali Station (West) with Madh Jetty, has also been augmented with extra trips. The frequency of buses on these routes has been increased to accommodate the anticipated influx of passengers.

As a significant number of devotees are expected to arrive at Malad Station (West) by suburban trains, special attention has been given to last-mile connectivity. Additional bus trips have been scheduled between Malad Station (West), Erangal village, Marve Chowpatty, and Madh Jetty to ensure uninterrupted onward travel.

Operational efficiency and crowd management have also been addressed through the temporary deployment of bus inspectors and traffic officers. Personnel from nearby depots, including Magathane, Poinsur, Dindoshi, Goregaon, and Oshiwara, have been assigned to oversee operations and manage passenger movement during peak hours. Commuters and devotees have been urged to make full use of the enhanced bus services and avoid private vehicles wherever possible. Authorities have emphasised that cooperation from the public will play a key role in ensuring a safe, orderly, and comfortable travel experience during the festival.