BEST to Launch Coastal Road Bus by May
In a move to enhance Mumbai’s public transport network, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking is gearing up to launch a new bus service along the Mumbai Coastal Road by May 2025. This much-anticipated route will connect Worli and Marine Drive, offering commuters a direct and efficient travel option along the newly developed stretch.
The introduction of this service coincides with the nearing completion of the first phase of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP). The northbound carriageway of the iconic bowstring arch bridge, inaugurated on 26 January by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has significantly improved connectivity, linking South Mumbai seamlessly to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL) without detours. The proposed bus service will operate every 20 to 30 minutes, with frequency adjustments based on passenger demand. However, BEST currently has no immediate plans to extend the service to Bandra, primarily due to the high toll costs associated with the BWSL. That said, the possibility of future expansion remains open, contingent on commuter response and demand patterns.
Historically, BEST operated buses on the Sea Link since its inception in 2009, but these services were later discontinued. At present, the only operational route along the coastal stretch is Route A-78 (NCPA to Byculla West), which has struggled to attract significant ridership. The absence of dedicated bus services on the coastal corridor—despite having a reserved bus lane—has been a point of contention among Mumbai’s commuting public. One of the key challenges for BEST is the shrinking fleet size, now reduced to fewer than 2,900 buses, which has impacted the rollout of new routes. Several existing services have also been affected due to this constraint. The introduction of buses on the coastal road will hinge on the availability of additional buses to support the new route.
Additionally, ongoing infrastructure developments are contributing to the timeline. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is constructing ten bus bays along the 10.58-kilometre coastal road stretch. These bays are in their final stages, awaiting the installation of signage and street furniture. To improve pedestrian accessibility, 20 pedestrian underpasses (PUPs) are also planned along the route. Currently, only the underpass near Haji Ali is operational, with the remaining underpasses expected to open by May 2025. The new bus service is poised to offer a smoother, faster, and more sustainable commuting option, reducing road congestion and complementing Mumbai’s expanding transport infrastructure. As the city continues to evolve, such initiatives reflect a strategic shift towards integrated and commuter-friendly urban mobility solutions.
