Mumbai’s public transport network is set for a major boost during the annual Mount Mary Fair in Bandra, with the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking deploying 374 additional bus services. The measure comes as the city prepares to handle thousands of devotees and visitors who will converge in Bandra over the fortnight-long celebrations, which continue until September 21.
Officials said the move was planned to ensure that pilgrims arriving from across Mumbai and beyond can travel smoothly without adding to the already strained local traffic. The fair, held every September, is one of the city’s most significant religious and cultural gatherings, drawing large crowds particularly on weekends and feast days. The bulk of the extra services will operate as shuttles between Bandra railway station (west) and Hill Road Garden, the nearest bus-accessible point to the Mount Mary Church. Given the narrow and congested lanes leading to the church, regular buses cannot reach the venue directly, making these shuttle services the primary transit option for thousands of commuters.
In addition to the shuttle operations, BEST has announced increased services across select routes, including C-71, A-202, 321 Ltd., A-375, A-422, A-473, and C-505. The expanded fleet will not only facilitate access to the fair but also improve connectivity across Bandra and surrounding neighbourhoods during the festive period. Acknowledging the strain on infrastructure during the event, officials said BEST would also keep additional buses ready to strengthen services if demand surges. This flexibility, they added, is part of a broader strategy to manage crowd movement and prevent congestion spillover into the city’s main arterial roads. On-ground management will also form a key part of the plan. Bus inspectors and traffic officers will be stationed at strategic points to monitor services, manage queues, and assist passengers. The presence of personnel is expected to help in avoiding overcrowding, directing flow, and resolving disruptions quickly.
Experts noted that such measures highlight the importance of flexible, demand-driven public transport planning in a city like Mumbai, where cultural and religious events attract millions of people annually. Public transport authorities, they said, are increasingly adopting adaptive measures that combine operational efficiency with commuter convenience. Officials appealed to citizens to make use of the additional services and cooperate with staff on duty to ensure safe and smooth journeys. For many, the initiative is more than just a logistical response—it is also a reflection of Mumbai’s longstanding tradition of combining faith with efficient public service.
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