📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Shyjucherian98
Religion
Maharashtra launches 2,900 free buses for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations
✍️ Amar Ujala · Maharashtra
🗓 07 Sep 2026, 08:36 AM
👁 23
The state government has deployed 2,900 complimentary buses for the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, with Transport Minister Shinde inaugurating the service.
Maharashtra’s transport department rolled out a fleet of 2,900 free buses to ferry devotees and visitors during the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The initiative was officially launched by State Transport Minister Shinde, who hoisted a green flag to mark the start of the service.
The buses will operate on designated routes covering major temples, public squares and crowd‑dense areas across the state, offering a no‑fare ride from early morning until the evening festivities conclude each day. Officials say the scheme aims to accommodate the expected surge of millions of pilgrims and reduce reliance on private vehicles.
Minister Shinde highlighted that the free‑bus program is intended to ease traffic congestion, lower pollution levels and enhance safety for families attending the processions. He urged citizens to make use of the service and follow traffic guidelines.
The transport authority has coordinated with local police and municipal bodies to ensure smooth boarding, regular sanitisation of vehicles and real‑time monitoring of bus locations through a dedicated mobile app.
If successful, the government may consider extending similar free‑transport measures to other major religious events in the future.
The buses will operate on designated routes covering major temples, public squares and crowd‑dense areas across the state, offering a no‑fare ride from early morning until the evening festivities conclude each day. Officials say the scheme aims to accommodate the expected surge of millions of pilgrims and reduce reliance on private vehicles.
Minister Shinde highlighted that the free‑bus program is intended to ease traffic congestion, lower pollution levels and enhance safety for families attending the processions. He urged citizens to make use of the service and follow traffic guidelines.
The transport authority has coordinated with local police and municipal bodies to ensure smooth boarding, regular sanitisation of vehicles and real‑time monitoring of bus locations through a dedicated mobile app.
If successful, the government may consider extending similar free‑transport measures to other major religious events in the future.