Ashadhi Ekadashi: 'Village to Pandharpur' Direct Bus Service Available for Devotees
In view of the upcoming Ashadhi Ekadashi festival, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has launched a special ‘Village to Pandharpur’ bus service to facilitate easier travel for devotees. The move aims to provide greater convenience to lakhs of Warkaris who undertake the annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur to seek the blessings of Lord Vitthal.
Every year, devotees travel to Pandharpur using public or private transport — and many even choose to walk. To accommodate the growing number of pilgrims, MSRTC has announced 5,200 special bus services this year.
What makes this year’s arrangements unique is the group booking scheme, wherein if 40 or more devotees from the same village book together, an exclusive ST bus will be provided from their village directly to Pandharpur. This initiative is designed to reduce travel hassles and make the journey smoother for Warkaris of all ages.
To benefit from this scheme, devotees must:
Form a group of at least 40 pilgrims.
Contact the nearest ST depot to make a group booking.
Book in advance to ensure timely allocation and coordination.
This initiative offers door-to-destination transport, ensuring pilgrims reach Pandharpur without the inconvenience of multiple transfers.
In addition to road transport, the Central Railway will operate 80 special Ashadhi trains between July 1 and July 10, enhancing access for pilgrims traveling from distant parts of the state.
To ensure the safety of the large crowds expected during the festival, the district administration has deployed heavy police security and will maintain drone surveillance throughout the city. Strict measures are in place to prevent any untoward incidents, ensuring a safe and spiritual experience for all attendees.
The direct bus service from villages to Pandharpur is seen as a devotee-centric initiative that underscores the administration’s commitment to facilitating a smooth and accessible pilgrimage during this sacred event.