The annual planning of transport for the 10-day Ganapati festival is now in place for road and rail, with 72 special trains and 2,200 MSRTC buses to the Konkan. They have been announced along with logistical support of mini-garages and staff mechanics to fix them along highways. The new Minister of State for Railways Raosaheb Danve said on Thursday that if required, the railways will run even more trains. Thousands of people living in Mumbai return to their native villages in Konkan to celebrate the festival each year.

Danve has appealed to commuters to follow COVID-19 protocols. The trains will operate from September 5 to September 23. Bookings begin on special charges from July 8 at all Passenger Reservation Centres and online at www.irctc.co.in