Ahmedabad: The Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) has launched two new bus routes, Somnath-Dwarka and Veraval-Bhavnagar, to improve connectivity for pilgrims and local passengers in the Saurashtra region. The new services are expected to make travel between two of Saurashtra’s most important religious centres as well as other parts of the region more convenient.

Veraval ST Depot Manager Dilip Shamla said the number of pilgrims visiting Somnath has been rising steadily over the past few years. As both Somnath and Dwarka are major pilgrimage destinations associated with the Jyotirlinga and Char Dham circuits, there was a growing need for a direct bus service connecting the two places.

The newly introduced Somnath-Dwarka Express bus will depart from Somnath daily at 6:30 am and reach Dwarka via Mangrol and Porbandar. The return service will leave Dwarka at 2:30 pm. The route has been planned keeping religious pilgrims in mind, making it easier for devotees to visit both pilgrimage centres.

In addition, GSRTC has started a new bus service between Veraval and Bhavnagar. The bus will depart from Veraval every day at 5:30 am and travel via Somnath, Kodinar, Una, Mahuva and Rajula before reaching Bhavnagar. The return service will leave Bhavnagar at 2:00 pm. The route is expected to benefit passengers travelling between South Saurashtra and the Gohilwad region.

According to transport experts, the new routes will benefit not only pilgrims but also traders, students, working professionals and residents of rural areas by providing direct and affordable transportation. The services are also expected to reduce dependence on private vehicles and encourage greater use of public transport.

The decision has been welcomed by the Somnath Trust and stakeholders in the local tourism sector. They believe the direct bus service between Somnath and Dwarka will promote religious tourism, while the Bhavnagar route will strengthen connectivity across different parts of Saurashtra. DeshGujarat