MSRTC to Operate 102 Special Buses for Dhammachakra Pravartan Din on October 20

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is gearing up for the 70th Dhammachakra Pravartan Din by deploying 102 special buses on October 20. This initiative aims to accommodate the large influx of devotees expected to visit Deekshabhoomi, a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site, during the celebrations from October 19 to 21.

In preparation for the event, MSRTC has planned to operate 102 buses on the main day, a significant increase from the 18 buses scheduled for the previous day. Of the total, 78 buses will depart from Deekshabhoomi (Kachipura), while 24 will service the route from Mor Bhavan to the Dragon Palace Temple in Kamptee. The bus services will be strategically routed through various depots, including Imamwada, Vardhaman Nagar, Ghat Road, and Ganeshpeth, with additional support from Umred, Katol, Ramtek, and Saoner depots.

Services will commence early on October 20, with buses from Deekshabhoomi starting at 6 am and those from Mor Bhavan at 6:30 am. To manage the anticipated passenger surge, buses will run at 15-minute intervals. The fare for travel between Deekshabhoomi and the Dragon Palace Temple is set at Rs 55, while passengers boarding from Mor Bhavan will pay Rs 50.

In addition to the regular fare structure, MSRTC has introduced concession schemes for senior citizens, allowing those aged 75 and above to travel for free. Passengers aged 65 and above, women, and children under 12 can benefit from a 50% discount on their fares. These arrangements are made to facilitate smooth transportation for devotees visiting these two prominent sites.

MSRTC officials have urged devotees to utilize these special bus services to minimize inconvenience during the celebrations. The initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that the transportation needs of the large number of attendees are met efficiently, following directives from the divisional commissioner and district collector.