Maharashtra: MSRTC To Run 5,220 Extra Buses For Ganesh Festival 2026 Amid Staff Shortage And Ticket Fraud Concerns

Mumbai, August 7, 2026: Facing a massive festive travel rush, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will operate 5,220 additional buses to the Konkan region during the Ganesh festival.

The decision, announced by Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik, comes even as the state transporter continues to grapple with manpower shortages and increasing instances of fake tickets and misuse of online booking platforms during peak travel periods.

The additional buses will operate between September 7 and 25, catering primarily to passengers travelling from Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and nearby regions to their native places in the Konkan.

Addressing a review meeting at the MSRTC headquarters, Sarnaik said the corporation was committed to serving passengers during the festival without considering profit or loss.

“Ganeshotsav shares an emotional bond with Konkan residents, and ST buses have always been an integral part of that journey. We are fully prepared to ensure smooth travel for devotees,” he said.

Online Booking And Concessions

Online reservations for the additional services have been opened through the official MSRTC website and the MSRTC Bus Reservation mobile application.

Group bookings for a minimum of 40 passengers will begin on August 10, with eligible women and senior citizens continuing to receive fare concessions under existing government schemes.

Staff Shortage And Fraud Concerns

The announcement comes at a time when employee unions have repeatedly flagged a shortage of operational staff, including drivers, conductors, and technical personnel, particularly during festival seasons when extra services are introduced.

Officials also face the challenge of preventing fake tickets and misuse of booking applications, which have surfaced during previous festive rushes.

MSRTC said senior officers will supervise operations round the clock at major bus stations, while breakdown response teams will be deployed along key Konkan highways to ensure uninterrupted services.

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Lessons From Ashadhi Ekadashi Operations

The corporation had operated nearly 5,200 additional buses during the recent Ashadhi Ekadashi pilgrimage, receiving a strong response from passengers.

With Ganesh festival travel expected to be even higher, MSRTC hopes the expanded fleet and tighter operational monitoring will help manage one of its busiest travel seasons of the year.

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