Mathura Roadways Announces Special Bus Plan for Radha Ashtami Festival

Mathura, September 17, 2026: In anticipation of the significant influx of devotees expected for the upcoming Radha Ashtami festival, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has unveiled a comprehensive operational plan. The special transport services are scheduled to run from September 18 to 20, 2026, aimed at facilitating seamless travel for the thousands of pilgrims expected to descend upon the sacred region of Braj. Official sources confirmed that a high-level review meeting was conducted at the Regional Manager’s office, bringing together depot managers, the Regional Assistant Manager (Administration), and the Regional Assistant Manager (Finance) to finalize the logistics for the event.

Extensive Bus Connectivity for Pilgrims

The transport plan includes the deployment of 160 buses specifically designated for connectivity to Barsana. According to the official release, the distribution of these vehicles has been strategically mapped to cater to high-traffic corridors. The allocation includes 50 buses operating from Agra to Barsana via Mathura and Govardhan, 60 buses connecting Mathura to Barsana via Govardhan, 30 buses running from Vrindavan to Barsana, five buses from Mathura to Barsana via Chhata, and 15 buses from Mathura to Barsana via Kosi. These buses will operate from a temporary bus stand specifically established by the local administration in Barsana to manage the crowd flow during the festival period.

Passenger Amenities and Operational Standards

Beyond the logistical deployment, officials emphasized the importance of passenger convenience and safety during these three days. Dedicated supervisory staff and personnel are scheduled to be stationed in three shifts at major hubs, including the bus stations in Barsana, Govardhan, Bhuteshwar (Mathura), and the Agra ISBT. The department has mandated that all vehicles be maintained in a clean, hygienic, and safe condition to ensure a pleasant travel experience for visitors. Furthermore, rigorous enforcement measures will be in place along the routes to prevent congestion and ensure that the transportation network remains efficient throughout the festival.

Direct Service Directives

During the review meeting, the management issued strict instructions to drivers and crew members to improve service quality and operational performance. A key directive issued to the bus crews is to prioritize service through city centers rather than bypassing via highways. Drivers have been explicitly told to stop at every designated stop to pick up passengers and to engage with commuters with courtesy and professionalism. Additionally, the department highlighted the importance of security and hygiene by directing drivers to stop only at authorized food outlets (dhabas) along the designated routes, and ensuring that all crew members are wearing the prescribed uniforms while on duty.

Focus on Welfare and Compliance

The administrative session also focused on the strict implementation of government welfare schemes. Officials reiterated the necessity of promoting and adhering to the ‘Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar Matrushakti Yatra Yojana.’ This initiative provides free travel in ordinary buses for women in Uttar Pradesh aged 60 and above, provided they present valid identification such as an Aadhar card or voter card. The department has instructed station heads to ensure the smooth execution of this benefit for eligible travelers.

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Key officials present at the planning session included Assistant Regional Managers Rajesh Yadav from Taj (Mathura), Seema Shivhare from Idgah, Sarika Sharma from Bah, PK Srivastava from Foundry Nagar, Buddh Prakash from Fort, and Regional Finance Manager Ravikant Mall, along with Regional Workshop In-charge Nitin Sharma. These leaders are tasked with overseeing the implementation of these directives to ensure the Radha Ashtami festivities remain accessible to all devotees visiting the region.