Pune: In a bid to facilitate passenger travel during the Diwali holidays, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has announced plans to operate approximately 350 extra buses outside the scheduled timetable.

This initiative is particularly aimed at helping passengers return to their native villages. A temporary bus station is currently being set up at Khadki due to the anticipated high volume of travelers heading to Marathwada.

Additional buses will also be deployed for routes to Nashik and Jalna, alleviating congestion at the existing bus station in Wakadewadi.

The extra services are set to commence next Friday, October 25, with additional buses leaving from key points including Swargate, Shivajinagar, and Khadki Cantonment Board.

The demand for bus services to cities in Marathwada, including Latur, Dharashiv, Beed, Parbhani, Nanded, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, has already led to full bookings for 60 buses.

Furthermore, the Pune division will operate 100 additional buses from Swargate for passengers traveling to Solapur, Kolhapur, and Satara. This route has seen a consistent high demand, with buses often overcrowded even on regular days. To mitigate potential inconveniences, a reservation system will be put in place for these extra services.

Recognizing the increasing number of travelers during the festive season, the ST administration is committed to enhancing passenger convenience.

A WhatsApp service will soon be launched to provide real-time information about bus schedules, particularly as phone lines at Swargate and other depots have faced disruptions. Passengers will be able to send inquiries via WhatsApp and receive the required information promptly.