GSRTC to Operate 2,200 Additional Buses from Surat During Diwali Festival

Surat — In a significant move to facilitate travelers during the Diwali festival, the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC), under the directives of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has announced the operation of 2,200 additional buses from Surat. These buses will run between October 26 and 30, catering to passengers heading to Saurashtra, North Gujarat, Maharashtra, and other regions.

Transport Minister Harsh Sanghavi stated that millions of people travel from Surat to their hometowns during Diwali. "Keeping this in mind, special arrangements have been made to accommodate the surge in travelers," he said. Passengers can book tickets in advance at all bus stations, online via the GSRTC website [www.gsrtc.in](http://www.gsrtc.in), or through the GSRTC mobile app.

Special Arrangements for Saurashtra:

- Departure Point: Buses to Saurashtra will depart from the grounds of Dharuka College on Varachha Road.
- Timings: Services will operate between 4:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
- Additional Routes: Buses heading to Dahod, Godhra, Jhalod, and Panchmahal will depart from the ground opposite the ST Central Bus Station and from the Adajan Bus Port.

Additional Buses for Maharashtra:

- Departure Point: Udhna Bus Station.
- Destinations: Extra buses will run to Navapur, Nandurbar, Dhule, and Shahada.

Other Important Information:

- Vadodara and Ahmedabad Services: From October 31 to November 6, additional buses to Vadodara and Ahmedabad will depart from the Surat Central Bus Station.
- 'ST at Your Doorstep' Scheme: Passengers booking an entire bus for group travel under the 'ST Aapke Dwar' initiative will be picked up directly from their residential societies and transported to their hometowns.
- Contact Information: For more details, passengers are advised to contact their nearest ST Bus Station or visit the GSRTC website.

The GSRTC's decision to run these additional buses aims to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for passengers during the festive season. Travelers are encouraged to make advance bookings to secure their seats and avoid last-minute hassles.