Addressing the media, Kaskar said KTCL has planned 10 special buses for the Pandharpur pilgrimage this year.
"Every year during the Ashadhi period, Kadamba operates buses to Pandharpur. This year too, we have prepared a timetable. A total of 10 buses will leave Goa for Pandharpur," he said.
According to the timetable, three buses will depart on July 24, while the remaining seven buses will leave on July 27.
"We have kept a nominal fare of Rs 500. I request devotees to take advantage of this service," Kaskar said.
He added that KTCL's regular interstate services on the Panaji-Solapur and Panaji-Akkalkot routes will also be diverted via Pandharpur during the pilgrimage period, providing two additional bus options for devotees.
"We have prepared a detailed schedule mentioning the dates, timings and routes. The information has been circulated through our Facebook page, WhatsApp groups and bus stands for wider publicity," he said.
Kaskar clarified that advance booking is not mandatory for the Pandharpur buses.
"Passengers can directly purchase tickets from the conductor. These will be 54-seater semi-luxury diesel buses," he said.
KTCL will also operate special AC sleeper bus services from Goa for pilgrims travelling to Chennai for the Maddi Festival and the Velankanni Feast.
Kaskar said two 30-berth AC sleeper buses, offering a total of 60 berths, will depart Goa on August 27 and reach Chennai on August 28 for the Maddi Festival.
For the Velankanni Feast, one 30-berth AC sleeper bus will leave Goa on September 5.
The round-trip fare has been fixed at Rs 6,000 per passenger, excluding food and accommodation expenses.
"Bookings can be made at KTCL bus booking counters and the corporation's head office," Kaskar said.
