23 January,2026 02:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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On the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of late Balasaheb Thackeray, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) on Thursday launched a statewide religious tourism initiative titled the Hinduhridayasamrat Balasaheb Thackeray - ST Sange Tirtha Yatra scheme. The initiative aims to make pilgrimage travel more accessible, affordable and safe for ordinary citizens across Maharashtra.
The scheme was launched under the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, with Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik highlighting its people-centric approach. Addressing the launch, Sarnaik said the initiative reflects a harmonious blend of faith, social justice, convenience and public welfare, while staying true to the legacy and ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray.
According to MSRTC officials, the scheme is founded on the principle of "affordable and safe" travel. Its core objective is to provide organised religious tourism experiences at rates that are within the reach of common travellers, particularly senior citizens, women and economically weaker sections. All existing concessions offered by the state government to various social groups will continue under the new scheme.
Women passengers and senior citizens will receive a 50 per cent concession on the base fare, while senior citizens above the age of 75 years will be eligible for free travel. Tours will be organised by forming groups of 40 passengers from each bus depot, enabling travellers to avail concessionary ticket rates through structured and well-planned itineraries.
To ensure safety and comfort, MSRTC will deploy new and well-maintained ST buses for these tours. The corporation has emphasised that passenger convenience and security will be prioritised throughout the journey, making the travel experience smooth and reliable.
The scheme will be implemented simultaneously across all 251 ST depots in Maharashtra from January 23, 2026. Based on passenger demand, a minimum of five buses from each depot will be earmarked for the initiative. This is expected to result in the daily operation of nearly 1,000 to 1,250 special religious and tourism buses across the state, significantly boosting religious tourism and local economies.
Depending on demand, tours will be organised to prominent pilgrimage destinations including Ashtavinayak Darshan, 11 Maruti Darshan, Pandharpur-Akkalkot, Tuljapur, Kolhapur-Panhala-Jyotiba, Ganpatipule, Shegaon and Shirdi. MSRTC officials said the initiative offers devotees a structured opportunity to explore Maharashtra's rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the scheme was not merely a transport initiative but a continuation of Balasaheb Thackeray's lifelong commitment to the welfare of the common people. Launched on his centenary birth anniversary, the Hinduhridayasamrat Balasaheb Thackeray - ST Sange Tirtha Yatra scheme is expected to emerge as a journey rooted in faith, safety and satisfaction for millions of devotees across Maharashtra.
