Gandhinagar: Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) will operate AC Volvo buses to Maha Kumbh mela at Prayagraj from Gujarat.

The service starts from January 27. Booking can be done online at GSRTC website from 25 January. It’s a daily service to be operated from Ranip bus depot of GSRTC in Ahmedabad. Rs. 8,100 value package involves three nights and four days. On 27 January, early morning, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will flag off the first bus of pilgrims from Gandhinagar. One night stay shall be at Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh due to long distance. Stay at Shivpuri is included in this package. Dormitory stay in Kumbh Mela is arranged and it is included in this package of GSRTC and Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd (TCGL). Meals are not part of the package.

Minister of State for Transport Harsh Sanghavi shared these details in a press conference today morning. He said the parking of bus shall be away from the Kumbh Mela place and the pilgrims will need to consider the need to walk a lot for holy bath at Sangam and the lengthy travel hours due to long distance of 1400 km (21 hours journey). The buses will be operated from Ranip depot in Ahmedabad.

It’s worth noting pilgrims are facing issues in getting train tickets to Prayagraj even after launch of several special trains. Also three special flights are started connecting Ahmedabad to Prayagraj but seats are not available or they are available for too high fare.

This package includes the cost of accommodation for all 3 nights and bus travel.

• In Shivpuri (MP), accommodation will be provided in a hotel (sharing basis) on a room-sharing basis.
• In Prayagraj, overnight stay will be at the Gujarat Pavilion dormitory.
• The travel and accommodation times given in the above table are estimated. There may be changes depending on road conditions and local traffic.

Important Instructions for Pilgrims

• The bus will go as close as possible to the parking area.
• In Prayagraj, there is a possibility of walking approximately 5 km. It is requested to keep the luggage as light as possible or bring a trolley bag for convenience.
• During the days of Shahi Snan (royal bath) and the days before and after, the number of pilgrims will be very high, so there is a possibility of restrictions on vehicle movement.
• Local e-rickshaws and CNG rickshaws are available in Prayagraj at your own expense.
• The route may change at any time depending on the local situation, so pilgrims are requested to be patient.
• The local administration has placed sector maps/instructions at various locations, which are requested to be followed.
• Pilgrims are requested to take a bath at Sangam first (bathing is open 24 hours).
• Please note that it will take approximately 2-3 hours to go for a bath and come back.
• If the pilgrims want to bring Sangam water, they should keep space accordingly in the bag.
• Pilgrims are requested to carry warm clothes, 4-5 copies of Aadhar card/ID, power bank, torch, candles, loose change, contact details of family members and necessary medicines.

DeshGujarat