The state government has announced that an additional 2,200 Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) buses will be operated from Surat to Saurashtra, North Gujarat, Maharashtra, and other districts between November 7 and November 11, in anticipation of the Diwali rush, as stated by Minister of State for Home and Transport Harsh Sanghavi in Surat on Friday.
Sanghavi further warned private bus owners against increasing travel fares to take advantage of the high demand during the festive season. He explained, “Surat is home to a large number of people from Saurashtra, North Gujarat, and other parts of the state, who work in the diamond, textile, and other industries. During the Diwali vacation, they visit their hometowns. Considering this, the state government has decided to run 2,200 extra buses from Surat to other parts of the state such as Saurashtra, North Gujarat, Panchmahal, and Maharashtra.”
The fares per person for travel from Surat to various destinations are as follows: Amreli – Rs 400, Savarkundla – Rs 425, Bhavnagar – Rs 350, Mahuva – Rs 405, Rajkot – Rs 385, Junagadh – Rs 435, Jamnagar – Rs 445, Ahmedabad – Rs 280, Dahod – Rs 305, and Chhota Udepur – Rs 275.
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GSRTC authorities have advised passengers to contact the state transport (ST) department for online or offline booking of group tickets or single tickets for the upcoming journey. A toll-free number (1800233666666) is available 24/7 for inquiries.
Sanghavi also highlighted the BJP government’s efforts to increase the number of buses in Gujarat, particularly in areas lacking bus connectivity. Currently, around 8,000 buses operate daily, covering a distance of approximately 33 lakh kilometres and benefiting over 25 lakh people,” he added.
He further stated that the recruitment procedures for new ST department personnel are nearing completion. “New buses are being introduced in the ST department, and our goal is to reach every village in the state,” he concluded.