As Diwali approaches, the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) has made special arrangements to ensure smooth travel for passengers across the state. With the festive season witnessing a massive surge in travelers returning to their hometowns, GSRTC is set to operate over 2,600 extra buses to meet the growing demand. This move aims to provide comfort, convenience, and timely transportation for citizens celebrating Diwali with their families.
Major Focus on Surat with 1,600 Extra Buses
Among all cities, Surat has received the highest attention due to the significant number of travelers heading towards Saurashtra, North Gujarat, Dahod, and Panchmahal. The GSRTC plans to run 1,600 extra buses from Surat alone. Travelers heading to Saurashtra will find buses departing from Ramchowk and Mota Varachha, while those going to North Gujarat and Ahmedabad will be served from the Surat Central Bus Station. For laborers from Dahod and Panchmahal, buses will operate from the city bus station opposite Surat Central and from Ramnagar and Rander Road.
Apart from Surat, other major cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, Junagadh, Mehsana, and Palanpur will also operate around 1,000 extra buses to manage passenger traffic efficiently.
Operation Dates and Passenger Benefits
The extra bus services will run from October 16 to October 19, 2025, covering more than 500,000 passengers across the state. This initiative is being carried out under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Transport Minister Harsh Sanghvi, ensuring that citizens can celebrate Diwali without worrying about travel disruptions.
Convenient Online Booking Options
GSRTC has made it easier for passengers to book tickets through online portals, mobile applications, and official website www.gsrtc.in. Group bookings are also catered for under the “ST Apna Dware” scheme, which ensures passengers can travel directly from their society or locality to their hometown without hassle. This arrangement continues to be popular among citizens and has seen increasing bookings compared to previous years.
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Historical Context and Growth in Bus Trips
According to R.D. Galchare, Chief Executive Officer of GSRTC, planning for extra buses during Diwali begins months in advance. In previous years, Surat had organized 1,359 bus trips, but this year the number has increased to 1,600 trips to accommodate more travelers. Additionally, extra services from Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, Mehsana, Palanpur, and Junagadh are expected to surpass last year’s figures, making Diwali travel smoother and more convenient.
Daily bus services will continue along with these extra trips. Cities like Ahmedabad and Rajkot will see regular buses along with additional services, while Palanpur, Mehsana, and Junagadh will operate around 150 extra buses each.
Increasing Demand for Online Tickets
Every year, a large number of travelers prefer online bookings before Diwali. Typically, around 75,000 seats are booked before the festival, generating approximately INR 2 crore in revenue. Last year, 141,000 seats were booked, and this year the trend shows a further increase. GSRTC continues to make travel planning seamless for citizens, ensuring timely and safe journeys during the festive season.
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Ensuring Hassle-Free Group Travel
GSRTC’s group booking scheme remains highly appreciated by citizens. Under this initiative, entire buses are booked in advance, allowing travelers to depart directly from their society to their hometown. This system ensures comfort, convenience, and a stress-free journey for large groups of passengers.
In summary, with the festival around the corner, GSRTC is well-prepared to handle the rush. ST will run 2600 extra buses on Diwali, offering passengers a smooth, safe, and comfortable travel experience, whether traveling alone or in groups. With convenient online booking options and extensive coverage across Gujarat, citizens can look forward to celebrating Diwali with their families without any travel worries.
