MSRTC to Launch Shivneri Bus Services From Hinjawadi to Aurangabad, Kolhapur and Nashik

In a major relief for thousands of commuters living in Pune’s western suburbs, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has announced the launch of luxury Shivneri bus services from Hinjawadi to Aurangabad, Kolhapur, and Nashik.

The services will start from Hinjawadi Phase-III (TCS Circle) on Friday, June 6.

This move comes weeks after the Forum for IT Employees (FITE) Maharashtra submitted a formal demand for a dedicated transit hub on Pune’s western side.

The intent was to ensure that IT employees, students, and senior citizens no longer have to wait by highways to board intercity buses to cities like Satara, Sangli, Mumbai, Kolhapur, and Aurangabad.

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New Routes, Better Convenience

With the new Shivneri bus services from Hinjawadi to Aurangabad, Kolhapur, and Nashik, MSRTC aims to make weekend travel more convenient and comfortable for residents of the western part of Pune.

This includes Hinjawadi, Wakad, Baner, Balewadi, Aundh, Bavdhan, Sus, Pashan, and Kothrud — areas known for their growing IT, residential, and student populations.

Weekend Departure and Return Timings:

• Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar): Leaves Friday 6:00 PM, returns Monday 4:30 AM
• Kolhapur: Leaves Friday 4:45 PM, returns Monday 4:00 AM
• Nashik: Leaves Friday 5:00 PM, returns Monday 4:30 AM

Tickets can be booked online via the official MSRTC website or mobile app (Android and iOS).

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Affordable Fares for All

MSRTC has also announced affordable and inclusive fares:

• Men: ₹968
• Women: ₹511
• Senior citizens (65–74 years): ₹511
• Senior citizens (75+ years): Free

The introduction of the Shivneri bus services from Hinjawadi to Aurangabad and other cities is expected to significantly reduce travel stress for those who had to previously travel long distances to central bus stands like Swargate, Pune Station (Shivneri), Wakdewadi (Shivajinagar), or Pimpri.

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Why Does This Matter

Currently, MSRTC operates from four major bus stands in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad:

• Swargate – A central intercity and intracity travel hub
• Pune Station (Shivneri) – Near the railway station, primarily for Mumbai routes
• Wakdewadi (Shivajinagar) – Temporary stand due to metro construction
• Pimpri Colony – Serving industrial and residential commuters in PCMC
  

Despite this, commuters from Hinjawadi and Wakad have struggled due to the lack of accessible state transport hubs in their vicinity.

With the launch of these new routes, MSRTC has taken a step forward in addressing long-standing commuter concerns and potentially paving the way for a full-fledged transit depot in western Pune shortly.