The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) launched a statewide religious tourism scheme on the 100th birth anniversary of the late Balasaheb Thackeray on Thursday. The initiative is titled Hinduhridayasamrat Balasaheb Thackeray-ST Sange Tirtha Yatra scheme. The initiative aims to provide an affordable and economical pilgrimage travel to the ordinary citizens of the state.

The scheme was launched by the Transport Minister and MSRTC chairman Pratap Sarnaik, who reflected on the ‘people first’ approach of the scheme. Sarnaik added that the initiative invokes the harmonious blend of faith, social justice, convenience and public welfare, while upholding the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray.

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MSRTC Statewide Pilgrimage Scheme: Details

- Places: Tours will be organised to the prominent pilgrimage destinations of the state, including Ashtavinayak Darshan, 11 Maruti Darshan, Pandharpur-Akkalkot, Tuljapur, Kolhapur, Panhala, Jyotiba, Ganpatipule, Shegaon and Shirdi.

- Buses will be deployed across 251 bus stops across Maharashtra from January 23.

- A minimum of five buses from each bus stand have been set aside for the passengers. This can, however, increase in the future as per demand.

- The initiative is expected to result in the daily operation of nearly 1,000 to 1,250 special religious and tourism buses across the state.

- All women passengers and senior citizens (both male and female) will receive a 50 per cent concession on the ticket prices. 

- Those above the age of 75 are eligible for free travel. 

- The tours will be organised by forming groups of 40 passengers from each bus depot.

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MSRTC Statewide Pilgrimage Scheme: Ticket Prices

The ticket prices are based on standard MSRTC fares:

- Ashtavinayak Darshan (2 Days): Prices start from approximately Rs 910 to Rs 1,005 per person, depending on the departure point.

- Mahabaleshwar Darshan (1 Day): The fare from Shivaji Nagar is approximately Rs 600.

Note: The specific ticket prices can be checked at the time of booking your tickets.

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How Can You Book Your Tickets?

- Since the initiative organises passengers into groups of 40 from each of the 251 depots across Maharashtra, the most reliable way to book is at your local ST station. 

- Visit the Nearest Depot: Go to the reservation counter at any MSRTC bus stand. You can find the contact numbers for specific depots on the MSRTC Bus Stands/Depots Directory. 

- Online: You can also book tickets using the MSRTC Online Booking Portal or download the 'MSRTC Mobile Reservation App' from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.