Special Buses Announced for Konkan Festival Travel From Mumbai on Sept 12
State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has directed officials to operate special bus services on the night of Saturday, September 12, 2026, to facilitate travel for residents of Mahad, Mangaon, and Poladpur talukas living in Mumbai as they travel to their native villages in Konkan for Ganeshotsav. The transport directive follows a formal request submitted by Maharashtra minister Bharat Gogawale ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, which will be celebrated on September 14.
The decision is expected to provide significant relief to thousands of 'Chakaramanis' from the Mahad-Mangaon-Poladpur constituency who reside in Mumbai and travel to Konkan for the annual festival. Minister Bharat Gogawale had approached State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik to highlight the travel needs of these residents, urging the government to make additional transport arrangements available to accommodate the holiday demand.
Taking immediate cognisance of the request, Minister Sarnaik gave a positive response and instructed the concerned officials to make necessary arrangements for operating the special services. Each year, a large number of people from Mumbai and various other parts of Maharashtra travel to Konkan for the Ganeshotsav celebrations. This sudden surge in passenger traffic puts considerable pressure on regular railway lines and bus services, often leading to overcrowding and making travel difficult for commuters.
The dedicated bus services scheduled for September 12 are intended to provide a safer and more convenient travel option for residents of the three talukas during the peak festive period. Transport officials hope the operation of these dedicated buses will help manage the passenger rush and prevent severe strain on regular public transit networks.
Minister Gogawale's initiative to arrange additional transport facilities has been widely welcomed by residents and Ganesh devotees travelling to Konkan. The introduction of these special buses is expected to ease the pressure on regular public transport services and ensure smoother, more comfortable travel for commuters during the festival rush.
