ST Bus Availability and Wait Times at Pune Station for Pandharpur Pilgrims

Lakhs of Varkaris are heading to Pandharpur for Ashadhi Wari, chanting Vitthalnamacha gajar. The rush is massive. To manage this, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is running extra buses—called Jada Pherya—from Pune. Are you planning your trip? Here is the current situation at the major bus stands.

Bus Availability at Pune Stations

Right now, the action is at Swargate and Shivajinagar bus stands. Buses are leaving constantly. Regular timetables are paused because of the sheer crowd of Mauli devotees. Buses simply leave the moment they are full.

• Swargate Bus Stand: The primary hub for Pandharpur-bound buses. Special counters are open exclusively for Varkaris. Wait times are currently ranging between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
• Shivajinagar Bus Stand: Additional buses are operating from this stand to share the load. The current wait time is approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
• Mumbai Departures: For devotees traveling from Mumbai, extra buses are operating from Dadar, Kurla, and Borivali, connecting through Pune.

Ticket Rates and Concessions

MSRTC is charging standard ticket rates for these special buses. A regular Lal Pari bus ticket from Pune to Pandharpur is about Rs. 380 per adult. Keep exact change ready. It speeds up the line for everyone.

Seniors aged 65 and above get a 50 percent concession. And if you are over 75, you travel free under the Amrut Jyeshtha Nagarik scheme. Also, women pay half price through the Mahila Samman scheme. Just remember one rule. Carry your original Aadhaar card to claim these benefits.

Travel Advisory

Traffic curbs are active on the Pune-Pandharpur routes. This makes way for the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi and Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi. The journey usually takes 5 hours. Officials expect it to take 6 to 8 hours today. Pack enough water. Bring some dry snacks too.

Local police are helping MSRTC officials manage the crowds. Please stay in line. Cooperate with the authorities at the bus stands so everyone travels safely.