Around 1,000 buses to operate an additional 30,000 trips, benefiting an estimated 15 lakh pilgrims
Ahmedabad, September 21, 2026: Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) has launched special extra bus services and inaugurated new buses ahead of the Ambaji Bhadarvi Poonam Mahamela 2026, aimed at facilitating the travel of pilgrims and devotees visiting the famous pilgrimage destination.
The special bus service was inaugurated by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi. Minister of State for Transport Pravin Mali and Minister of State for Urban Development Darshanaben Vaghela were also present on the occasion.
30,000 Additional Trips Planned
Special arrangements will remain operational until September 26 through the Palanpur, Mehsana, Himatnagar and Ahmedabad divisions.
This year, GSRTC has planned to deploy around 1,000 buses to operate approximately 30,000 additional trips, which are expected to benefit nearly 15 lakh pilgrims attending the Ambaji fair.
To assist passengers, 10 dedicated booths have been established at Ambaji, with supervisors and booth in-charges assigned to manage operations and guide pilgrims.
Extensive Bus Network for Pilgrims
Continuous bus services will operate on major routes connecting Ambaji with several important destinations.
Services will be available from Ambaji to Gabbar, Abu Road, Danta, Deesa, Palanpur and Siddhpur, as well as Mehsana, Visnagar, Becharaji, Vadnagar and Kheralu.
Additional services will connect Ambaji with Himatnagar, Idar, Khedbrahma, Ahmedabad, Shamlaji and Bhiloda, providing pilgrims with multiple travel options during the fair.
Passenger Facilities and Safety Arrangements
The transport department has made arrangements for temporary passenger shelters, drinking water and public toilets. Public announcement systems, booth-in-charge contact numbers and hoardings/banners will also help pilgrims with information and directions.
For emergency and breakdown assistance, cranes, mechanic teams and ambulances have been deployed. Fire-fighting arrangements have also been made at the concerned depots.
A GPS-based central control room has been activated for real-time monitoring of all buses, enabling GSRTC authorities to monitor bus operations during the busy pilgrimage period.
Higher Capacity Compared to 2025
GSRTC had operated around 900 buses and 28,506 trips during the Ambaji Bhadarvi Poonam fair in 2025, providing transport services to approximately 13.09 lakh passengers.
With expanded arrangements this year, the corporation has stated that it is fully prepared to provide safe and comfortable transportation to the large number of devotees expected to attend the 2026 fair.
Senior officials and public representatives present at the event included Transport Department Additional Chief Secretary Harit Shukla, Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot, and MLAs Amit Thaker, Hasmukh Patel, Amul Bhatt, Kaushik Jain and Dinesh Kushwaha, among others.
