The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has announced the operation of special bus services to accommodate the large influx of devotees traveling for Maha Shivaratri. These buses will start running from midnight on February 26, ensuring seamless transportation to major pilgrimage sites across the state. This initiative aims to provide a hassle-free and comfortable journey for devotees visiting prominent Shiva temples, including the Srisailam, Draksharamam, and Kalahasti temples.

Given the high number of pilgrims expected, APSRTC has planned additional services from key cities such as Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Rajahmundry, and Hyderabad. These buses will operate round the clock, catering to devotees who travel at odd hours to participate in religious rituals and darshan. The special services will also be strategically deployed on routes witnessing heavy footfall, ensuring that pilgrims can reach their destinations without any inconvenience.

The Visakhapatnam Region of APSRTC will operate special buses to facilitate the travel of devotees visiting Lord Shiva temples and those heading to the sea for a holy dip on the occasion of Mahashivaratri. These special services will be available from midnight on February 26 until the evening of February 27.

Buses will operate from Gajuwaka, Kurmanapalem, and Aganampudi to Appikonda. Additionally, special services will be available from Tagarapuvalasa, Bhimili, Arilova, Ravindra Nagar, Pendurthi, Kothavalasa, Simhachalam, Gajuwaka, and Kurmannapalem to RK Beach, ensuring smooth transportation for devotees.

According to District Public Transportation Officer B. Appalanaidu, these arrangements have been made to accommodate the expected surge of pilgrims during the festival.

To manage the surge in passengers, APSRTC is offering online booking options through its official website and mobile app. Passengers are encouraged to reserve their tickets in advance to avoid last-minute rush and ensure a smooth travel experience. Additionally, bus depots in major cities have been directed to deploy extra staff to handle ticketing, crowd management, and passenger assistance.

The APSRTC has also assured devotees that all necessary safety and hygiene measures will be in place. Buses will be thoroughly sanitized, and special teams will monitor operations to ensure a smooth commute. The corporation has further advised passengers to follow safety protocols and plan their journey in advance.

Maha Shivaratri is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, attracting millions of devotees who observe fasting, visit temples, and participate in night-long prayers. To facilitate their travel, APSRTC’s special bus services will play a crucial role in easing transportation challenges. Officials have emphasized that these buses will run with frequent departures to accommodate the heavy rush.

Passengers can check the official APSRTC website for detailed schedules, ticket prices, and real-time updates regarding the special services. With this initiative, APSRTC aims to enhance travel convenience for devotees and ensure they can observe Maha Shivaratri rituals without transportation worries.