MUMBAI: In a move to enhance transportation for the thousands of devotees participating in Ganeshotsav celebrations, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has announced a special initiative. From September 7 to 16, the BEST will operate 24 overnight buses between 11 pm and 6 am to connect various parts of Mumbai with prominent Ganesh pandals across the city.
The special overnight bus services will cover key routes linking south Mumbai with the eastern and western suburbs. This network aims to facilitate easier access to some of the city’s most renowned pandals, including those in Girgaum, Lalbaug, Parel, and Chembur. The designated bus routes will include numbers such as 4 Ltd, 7 Ltd, 8 Ltd, A-21, A-25, A-42, 44, 66, 69, and C-51, providing comprehensive coverage throughout Mumbai.
To offer maximum convenience, BEST officials have instructed bus staff to accommodate flexible boarding and alighting. Passengers will be able to signal the driver to stop at any designated bus stop along the route, allowing for greater flexibility in reaching their destinations. In preparation for the increased passenger volume, BEST has deployed bus inspectors at key stops to ensure effective crowd management and maintain orderly boarding procedures. Additionally, depot managers have been instructed to ensure that the special buses adhere to a timely schedule, ensuring that services remain reliable and uninterrupted throughout the night.
Ganeshotsav is a major festival in Maharashtra, with vibrant pandals set up across Mumbai to house idols of Lord Ganesha. The festival attracts thousands of devotees who participate in prayers, cultural events, and community activities. A passenger rights activist praised the initiative, noting, “The special overnight bus services provided by BEST during Ganeshotsav are an excellent move, offering both convenience and safety for the many people visiting different pandals.” This initiative by BEST is expected to significantly ease travel for festival-goers, ensuring they can fully enjoy the celebrations without the hassle of transportation issues.
