The revered 24 Kosi Parikrama has officially commenced at the prominent pilgrimage site of Lohargal in Shekhawati, bringing hundreds of thousands of devotees from across the nation to participate in the sacred journey. In order to accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims and prevent severe transit bottlenecks, the transport department and state roadways have initiated an extensive logistical operation. As part of these measures, dedicated fleet arrangements and revamped traffic protocols have been put into action across the regional road network to guarantee smooth travel for all visitors.
Fleet of 80 Special Buses Operating at 15-Minute Intervals
To prevent passengers from facing long waiting periods during the busy festival period, Rajasthan Roadways has operationalized a total of 80 special buses. These vehicles have been mobilized in equal measure from two primary depots, with 40 special buses dispatched from the Sikar depot and another 40 buses deployed from the Jhunjhunu depot. The fleet will remain in continuous service throughout the religious gathering, operating non-stop until September 11. Under this operational plan, commuters can expect a bus service roughly every 15 minutes, ensuring prompt movement and effectively managing the heavy crowds assembling for the pilgrimage and accompanying fair.
Deployment of Key Administrative Officers for Smooth Operations
Senior officials from the roadways administration have assigned specific supervisory roles to ensure orderly transit and passenger safety. Birma Ram, the Traffic Manager of the Sikar depot, along with CBS Incharge Suresh Choudhary, has been given direct oversight of bus movements at the strategic Golyana bus stand. Additionally, Urmila Choudhary, a Junior Engineer attached to the Sikar bus depot, has been appointed as the special fair in-charge to coordinate ground operations. Meanwhile, all vehicular arrangements and bus operations emanating from the Jhunjhunu depot are being directly monitored under the supervision of Depot Manager Giriraj Swami.
Traffic Diversions and Strict Route Regulations
Anticipating the arrival of lakhs of pilgrims, police authorities in both Sikar and Jhunjhunu districts have deployed substantial security forces across key thoroughfares. Significant modifications have been made to local traffic routes to maintain order around the core festival areas. For regular private and state transport buses operating along the Sikar-Neem Ka Thana-Delhi highway that normally stop at Golyana bus stand, a revised stoppage point has been created approximately 200 meters away from the main stand. Furthermore, all private and commercial vehicles heading from Golyana toward the inner sanctuary of Lohargal are strictly restricted from advancing beyond the Golyana bus stand.
One-Way Route System and Temporary Amenities for Devotees
During the initial three days of the gathering, a mandatory one-way traffic protocol is being enforced along the Golyana corridor to regulate heavy vehicle movement. State transport buses traveling from Sikar and Jhunjhunu toward Golyana will strictly adhere to designated single-direction routes. From September 8 through September 11, normal two-way traffic flow will be restored to streamline the return journey of departing pilgrims. To support visitors, the roadways administration has established a temporary bus depot in the Golyana river bed area. This temporary hub is equipped with essential public amenities, including covered shade structures, dedicated rest zones, and clean drinking water facilities, with priority given to the needs of elderly travelers, women, and children. Dedicated police personnel, flying squads, and temporary check posts have been stationed across the zone to maintain law and order, while local philanthropists known as Bhamashahs have organized medical camps to offer immediate first-aid care to pilgrims in need.
