Surat: In a move aimed at ensuring public safety and preventing accidents during the Uttarayan festival, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has announced major changes to public transport operations in the city.

On January 14, 2026 (Uttarayan), all BRTS bus services in Surat will remain completely closed, while city bus services will operate at only 30 percent of their regular schedule. The decision has been taken keeping in mind safety concerns, particularly along the BRTS corridors, where incidents have been reported during kite flying and while carrying or catching patang.

Providing partial relief to commuters, services will resume in a limited manner on January 15, 2026 (Vasi Uttarayan). On this day, BRTS buses will operate at 30 percent capacity, while city buses will run at 50 percent of their usual schedule, according to Surat Citylink Limited.

At present, Surat’s public transport system caters to more than two lakh passengers daily, operating 367 BRTS buses across a 108-kilometre corridor and 387 city buses on 45 routes. Authorities said the temporary curtailment is a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of accidents during the festive period.

Surat Citylink Limited has appealed to citizens to plan their travel in advance and cooperate with the authorities during the festival, assuring that services will gradually return to normal after Uttarayan celebrations conclude. DeshGujarat