Will Gujarat State Transport Operate 195 Extra Buses and 7,800 Trips for the Bhavnath Mahashivratri Fair?
Synopsis
With the Bhavnath Mahashivratri fair approaching, Gujarat's ST Corporation is boosting transport services. Over 7,800 trips and 195 extra buses are set to facilitate the influx of pilgrims, ensuring safety and timely travel during this significant event. Discover how these efforts will enhance the experience for devotees.
Key Takeaways
195 extra buses will be deployed for increased capacity.
Over 7,800 bus trips are planned for the event.
Focus on key routes for pilgrim transport .
Continuous monitoring via GPS for safety.
Efforts to ease congestion during peak hours.
Gandhinagar/Junagadh, Feb 10 (NationPress) With a vast number of pilgrims expected to gather in Gujarat's Junagadh for the Bhavnath Mahashivratri fair commencing on Wednesday, the State Transport (ST) Corporation has laid out a comprehensive transport strategy. This includes scheduling over 7,800 bus trips throughout the five-day event to meet the anticipated rise in travel demand.
The annual fair, often referred to as the 'Mini Kumbh Mela', draws devotees from across Gujarat and nearby regions.
Last year, approximately 2.91 lakh passengers utilized ST services during the fair.
Considering this, the corporation has boosted its capacity this year by deploying around 195 additional buses to accommodate nearly 3.7 lakh passengers.
Officials noted that a significant portion of the extra services will concentrate on the frequently traveled route from Junagadh bus station to the Girnar foothills, catering to pilgrims visiting Bhavnath for darshan.
As part of these arrangements, 80 extra buses will run daily on this corridor throughout the fair, enhancing regular services and alleviating congestion during peak times.
To improve inter-district connectivity, the ST Corporation will also deploy 115 express buses for devotees arriving from surrounding districts.
Among these, 65 express buses will be dispatched from the Junagadh division, while 50 will come from other divisions, providing direct and quicker connections to Junagadh during the fair.
Passenger safety and timeliness are prioritized in the transport plan.
All buses operating for the Mahashivratri fair will be tracked continuously via a 24×7 GPS monitoring system, ensuring real-time oversight of vehicle movements and prompt resolution of operational issues.
The special transport arrangements will remain in effect for the entire duration of the Bhavnath Mahashivratri fair.
With increased bus frequency, additional vehicles, and ongoing monitoring, the ST Corporation is gearing up to handle the expected influx of pilgrims and deliver organized transport services during one of Junagadh's most significant annual religious events.
Point of View
I believe the proactive measures taken by the Gujarat State Transport Corporation highlight their commitment to facilitating the spiritual journey of countless devotees. This initiative not only showcases the importance of organized transport during significant events but also reinforces the state's dedication to ensuring a safe and smooth experience for all pilgrims.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many extra buses will be deployed for the fair?
The Gujarat State Transport Corporation will deploy 195 extra buses for the Bhavnath Mahashivratri fair.
What is the total number of bus trips scheduled?
More than 7,800 bus trips are scheduled over the five-day event.
How does the ST Corporation ensure passenger safety?
All buses will be monitored 24/7 through a GPS tracking system for real-time oversight.
What routes will the additional buses serve?
Most additional services will focus on the route from Junagadh bus station to the Girnar foothills.
How many passengers are expected during the fair?
Approximately 3.7 lakh passengers are expected to utilize the transport services during the fair.
