A Major Boon for Devotees During Shravani Mela; Direct Bus Service Started from Bhagalpur via Sultanganj-Deoghar-Basukinath, Making Kanwarias' Journey Extremely Convenient
Bhagalpur, Office Correspondent: Keeping in mind the convenience of Shiva devotees and kanwarias arriving from across the country and abroad on the occasion of the world-famous holy Shravani Mela, the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation has taken a highly significant and commendable step. Special bus operations have been launched directly from the silk city of Bhagalpur to Deoghar and Basukinath via Sultanganj. Following the receipt of temporary permits from the Government of Jharkhand, this special bus service has provided unprecedented travel convenience to pilgrims heading toward Baba Baidyanath Dham and Basukinath. This decision has not only reduced passengers' reliance on private vehicles, but has also made the journey safer and more economical.
Special Buses Flagged Off from Bhagalpur Bus Stand
Amidst the celebratory and vibrant atmosphere of the Shravani Mela, the Transport Corporation has finalized its arrangements in view of the heavy rush of passengers:
Operation of Six Large Buses Begins: With the commencement of the Shravani Mela, special bus services have started operating from the Bhagalpur bus stand to Deoghar via Sultanganj. Tremendous enthusiasm has been observed among passengers since morning due to the launch of these buses.
Journey Covered via Sultanganj: Since Sultanganj serves as the primary center for kanwarias' pilgrimage from the holy Uttarvahini Ganga coast, these buses depart from Bhagalpur, run via Sultanganj, and head directly toward Deoghar and onward destinations. This has brought special relief to elderly, ailing, and infirm devotees who wish to visit both dhams directly after completing long treks or without having to walk.
The Biggest Highlight This Time: Direct Service to Basukinath for the First Time
The most distinctive feature of the bus operations this season is that they have not been restricted merely to Deoghar, but their scope has been extended further:
Journey to Basukinath Made Easy: For the first time in the history of the Transport Corporation, a government bus service has been made available directly from Bhagalpur to Baba Basukinath Dham via Deoghar.
Freedom from the Hassle of Changing Vehicles: Earlier, upon reaching Deoghar, pilgrims had to look for separate private vehicles or alternative transport to travel to Basukinath, resulting in a waste of both time and money. Now, with the availability of a direct bus service, kanwarias are finding immense convenience in visiting both prominent Shiva shrines using a single vehicle.
Relief from Private Vehicles and Arbitrary Fares
During the Shravani Mela, complaints were frequently reported about private transport operators and auto/taxi drivers charging exorbitant, arbitrary fares from kanwarias:
Safe and Affordable Journey: The operation of government-run and contracted special buses has provided passengers with the option of a safe journey at fixed and reasonable fares.
Reduction in Traffic Congestion: During the month of Sawan, the Bhagalpur-Sultanganj route experiences heavy vehicular pressure. The operation of these disciplined corporation buses is also assisting the district administration in managing traffic flow along the route.
Administrative Preparations and Wave of Joy Among Kanwarias
Regional managers and transport department officials stated that depending on passenger volume during the mela, the frequency and number of buses can also be increased:
Devotees' Reaction: Expressing joy over the launch of the bus service, Shiva devotees said that this step by the government and the corporation will prove to be a milestone in making the kanwaria pilgrimage smoother.
Robust Security Arrangements: Administrative teams have been deployed at strategic points along the bus routes to ensure security and smooth movement, preventing any passenger from facing traffic jams or other inconveniences.
The launch of bus operations from Bhagalpur via Sultanganj-Deoghar and Basukinath is nothing short of a boon for the lakhs of devotees participating in the Shravani Mela. This special bus service not only makes travel seamless, but also ensures that the journey of Shiva devoteesâamidst chants of 'Bol Bam' resonating through this holy monthâremains completely safe and delightful.
