In a significant move, the Uttar Pradesh government is launching a special bus service from Varanasi to Gaya Ji to assist those visiting for Pitru Paksha rituals. This service is particularly aimed at benefiting devotees who wish to perform ‘Pind Daan’ and ‘Tarpan’ during the auspicious period.
The bus route, as announced by Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh, will commence from Varanasi (Cantt) and pass through Chandauli, Sasaram, Aurangabad, and Sherghati en route to Gaya Ji. The daily bus service is designed to make travel easier for pilgrims and other passengers.
Scheduled to depart from Varanasi station at 8 PM, the bus will arrive in Gaya Ji by 4 AM. The fare for the journey has been fixed at 465 rupees. It’s anticipated that the new bus service will reduce the reliance on personal vehicles, offering travelers both time and cost savings. Minister Dayashankar Singh acknowledged the large number of devotees visiting Gaya Ji during Pitru Paksha.
The Transport Corporation is considering making this service a permanent fixture, subject to successful operation. This move aligns with the state government’s broader efforts to promote tourism and enhance the travel experience for both the public and pilgrims.
The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation already operates a direct bus service connecting Lucknow to Muzaffarpur, Bihar, with a fare of 862 rupees. The Lucknow bus service departs from the Alambagh bus terminal at 2 AM and arrives in Muzaffarpur by 4 AM the following day.