– An article by Shivani Gadre
The month of Shravan in India is a time of festive celebrations, and many individuals travel back to their hometowns to partake in these joyous occasions. One such festival, Raksha Bandhan, recently witnessed a significant surge in travelers heading to their native places, particularly in the Surat region. To cater to this festive rush, the Surat ST (State Transport) department sprang into action, running additional buses alongside their regular services. This thoughtful initiative not only provided convenience to the citizens but also proved to be a profitable endeavor for the ST department.
During the month of Shravan, when people embark on journeys to various religious destinations, the ST department ensured that they met the increased travel demands. This was achieved by deploying additional buses alongside their existing fleet. Typically, Surat ST Corporation operates around 600 regular buses, which serve the transportation needs of the city and its surrounding areas. However, to accommodate the surge in travelers during Shravan and Raksha Bandhan, the department introduced an extra 600 buses per day from August 26 to August 31.
These additional buses played a crucial role in serving a staggering 7,82,722 passengers during this period. Most of these buses were destined for cities like Dahod, Amreli, and Bhavnagar, making travel more accessible for those celebrating the festivals. In total, this endeavor generated a substantial revenue of Rs 4.05 crore for the Surat ST division.
A notable highlight of this surge in passengers was observed during the two days leading up to Raksha Bandhan. As the festival spirit swept through the region, a significant influx of travelers was witnessed. During these two festive days, approximately 2.70 lakh passengers availed the services of the Surat ST buses. This surge in patronage translated into a revenue of Rs 1.54 crore for the Surat ST Corporation during this short period.
The Surat ST Department’s proactive approach in enhancing its services during the festive season not only facilitated smoother travel for the citizens but also yielded substantial financial gains. This successful initiative showcased the department’s commitment to meeting the transportation needs of the people, particularly during significant cultural and religious events. As the department continues to adapt and expand its services, passengers can look forward to even more convenient and accessible travel options in the future.
