BEST Coastal Road Bus Service to Link Marine Drive and Worli
As the first phase of Mumbai’s Coastal Road Project (MCRP) nears full operational capacity, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) is set to introduce a new bus route connecting Marine Drive to Worli. Expected to begin operations by May, this service will provide essential connectivity along the iconic coastal road, significantly enhancing public transport options for city residents.
On January 26, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the fully operational northbound carriageway of the bowstring arch bridge, which links the Coastal Road to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BSWL). The bridge’s completion now allows smoother traffic flow between South Mumbai and the Sea Link, facilitating uninterrupted travel between these crucial parts of the city. However, a bus service extending all the way to Bandra is not on the cards in the immediate future due to operational challenges, including toll fees on the Sea Link. While BEST is committed to evaluating the demand for this new route, the current focus will remain on a limited service between Marine Drive and Worli.
BEST officials confirmed that buses will ply with a frequency of 20-30 minutes, and the service will terminate at Worli. The decision to initially restrict the route at Worli is based on factors such as toll charges and demand fluctuations. Although an earlier proposal had considered extending the service to Bandra, the lack of exemption from toll fees for BEST buses has made such an expansion financially unfeasible at this stage. Officials indicated that they will first assess the response to the Marine Drive-Worli route before considering further extensions.
This new service comes a year after the MCRP’s partial launch, which is also home to one existing route—A-78, connecting NCPA to Byculla West. However, this service has seen a lukewarm response due to low commuter turnout. The delay in expanding the bus services, particularly on the newly dedicated bus lanes along the coastal road, has drawn significant criticism from citizens and activists. One of the key hurdles cited by BEST is its dwindling bus fleet, which currently stands at under 2,900 vehicles, down from over 3,000 buses in earlier years. Moreover, the lack of adequate buses has hampered both the launch of new services and the smooth operation of existing routes.
In addition to fleet constraints, the delay in completing necessary infrastructure on the Coastal Road has further delayed public service expansion. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is working on constructing 10 bus bays along the 10.58 km stretch of the road, alongside 20 pedestrian underpasses (PUPs). Currently, only one pedestrian underpass at Haji Ali is operational, and the remaining ones are expected to open by May 2025. The bus bays, meanwhile, are still awaiting final touches, such as the installation of street furniture and signage. These infrastructural delays, alongside the challenges in bus fleet augmentation, have left commuters hoping for better services in the coming months.
The introduction of a new bus service along the Coastal Road aligns with the city’s broader sustainability goals. With the growing focus on reducing private vehicle use and promoting public transportation, BEST’s decision to offer a new service that utilizes dedicated bus lanes on the Coastal Road will contribute to lowering traffic congestion and reducing carbon emissions. While the full extent of the service’s impact on urban mobility remains to be seen, the ongoing development of pedestrian infrastructure and public transport options is a critical step towards making Mumbai a more sustainable city.
For Mumbaikars who rely on public transportation, the new bus route offers hope for a more efficient and accessible way to navigate the city. The introduction of a service that directly connects the iconic Marine Drive with Worli will improve daily commutes, especially for residents of South Mumbai. Despite the challenges faced by BEST, the agency’s efforts to connect key parts of the city on the Coastal Road reflect an increasing commitment to enhancing public transport options for citizens, which will ultimately help alleviate the everyday struggles of commuters.
