Around 30,000 additional trips planned from September 20 to 26 as Gujarat prepares for a major pilgrimage rush
Palanpur: With the Ambaji Bhadarvi Poonam Mela 2026 approaching, the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) has announced an extensive transport arrangement for devotees travelling to the famous Ambaji shrine.
GSRTC will operate around 6,000 additional buses during the seven-day festival period from September 20 to September 26, along with approximately 30,000 extra trips on different routes to handle the expected increase in passenger traffic.
The arrangements have been made as thousands of devotees have already begun travelling towards Ambaji, while a much larger number of pilgrims are expected to arrive during the main fair period.
6,000 Extra Buses and 30,000 Additional Trips
According to the latest GSRTC arrangement, approximately 6,000 additional buses will be deployed throughout the fair.
Around 30,000 extra trips have also been planned on different routes so that devotees can travel to Ambaji and return to their respective destinations after completing their pilgrimage. The special services are intended to provide additional connectivity during the peak pilgrimage period and reduce pressure on regular bus services.
More Than 4,000 GSRTC Employees on 24×7 Duty
GSRTC has also planned a large manpower deployment for the festival. More than 4,000 drivers, conductors, mechanics, supervisors and senior officials will remain on duty around the clock during the special operation.
Personnel will be positioned at different points along the routes leading towards Ambaji to assist passengers, maintain bus availability and support traffic and transport management.
Ambaji Bhadarvi Poonam Mela Dates
The Bhadarvi Poonam Mahamela 2026 will be held from September 20 to September 26 at Ambaji. Bhadarvi Poonam itself falls on September 26, 2026. The seven-day event attracts devotees from Gujarat and other parts of India, with many pilgrims travelling towards the temple town on foot.
The district administration and Ambaji Temple Trust have been making arrangements for the large expected gathering. Around 1,685 registered pilgrim groups had already been reported in preparations for this year’s event.
Special Arrangements for Pilgrims
Apart from additional buses, authorities have been working on facilities for devotees travelling by road and on foot.
The administration has planned designated facilities and service arrangements along important pilgrimage routes. Online registration has also been introduced for mobile service camps operating for pilgrims during the fair.
Parking arrangements have also been identified at different locations for cars, two-wheelers and heavy vehicles to manage the expected traffic around Ambaji.
GSRTC Services From Major Gujarat Cities
The additional transport operation will connect Ambaji with different parts of Gujarat. Special services are being planned from major centres so that devotees can reach the pilgrimage town and return home after darshan. GSRTC’s expanded operation is particularly important during the final days of the fair, when passenger demand is expected to rise significantly.
Digital Information and Helpline Available
GSRTC has advised passengers to use its official digital platforms for information regarding bus services. Passengers can check transport-related information through the GSRTC website and official mobile application. A toll-free helpline has also been made available for passenger assistance.
Ambaji Prepares for Large Devotee Footfall
The large-scale transport arrangement comes as Gujarat prepares for one of its major annual religious gatherings.
The Ambaji Bhadarvi Poonam Mela is known for large groups of devotees undertaking pilgrimages to the Shakti Peeth. Authorities have therefore been coordinating transport, security, traffic, sanitation and pilgrim facilities ahead of the seven-day event.
With 6,000 additional buses, approximately 30,000 extra trips and more than 4,000 GSRTC personnel on duty, the state transport corporation is preparing for the expected travel rush between September 20 and 26.
Devotees planning to visit Ambaji during the mela should check the latest transport, traffic and route advisories before beginning their journey, particularly during the peak days of the festival.
Source: GSRTC arrangements reported by Gujarati Jagran and related coverage of the Ambaji Bhadarvi Poonam Mahamela 2026.
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