The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking has unveiled a comprehensive restructuring of its bus services, effective from today.
This overhaul introduces new air-conditioned (AC) bus routes, revises existing ones, and aligns schedules to integrate seamlessly with the Mumbai Metro Line 3, aiming to provide a more efficient and comfortable commuting experience for Mumbaikars. To cater to the growing demand for comfortable and efficient public transport, BEST has launched several new AC bus services. These routes are designed to connect key areas across the city, ensuring better accessibility and reduced travel time for passengers.
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Route A-8: Mantralaya to Shivaji Nagar Terminus (Operational from 8:05 AM to 10:50 PM)
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Route A-44: Kala Chowki to Worli Depot (Conversion of non-AC Route 44)
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Route A-125: Navy Nagar to Worli Depot via Mohammed Ali Road
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Route A-241: Santacruz to Malvani
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Route A-175: Pratiksha Nagar Depot to Prabhodankar Thackeray Udyan via Antop Hill, Wadala Church, and Khodadad Circle
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Route A-490: Mantralaya to Balkum, Thane (East) via Eastern Express Highway
Additionally, several existing non-AC routes have been converted to AC services, including Routes 243, 343, 344, 347, 452, 459, 602, and 626. These changes aim to enhance commuter comfort, especially during the summer months. In an effort to streamline operations and improve efficiency, BEST has implemented changes to several existing bus routes. Notably, Route 25 has been renumbered to Route 29, now operating from Prabhodankar Thackeray Udyan to Vihar Lake. Additionally, Route 11 Limited will now bypass Jijamata Udyan, Jai Hind Cinema, and Lalbaug, rerouting via the Lalbaug Flyover for faster travel.
These adjustments are part of a broader initiative to reduce congestion and improve service reliability across the city. The integration of BEST bus services with the Mumbai Metro Line 3 is a strategic move to enhance last-mile connectivity. By synchronising bus schedules with metro timings, BEST aims to provide seamless transitions for commuters, reducing waiting times and improving overall travel efficiency.
This alignment is particularly significant as Metro Line 3 is expected to play a pivotal role in the city’s future mobility landscape, offering faster and more reliable transportation options for Mumbaikars. Recognising the need for a robust public transport system, BEST has outlined an ambitious plan to expand its fleet. The undertaking aims to procure 10,662 buses by 2025, with a focus on electric and air-conditioned vehicles to promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.
This expansion is expected to alleviate existing challenges such as long waiting times and overcrowding, providing commuters with more frequent and comfortable travel options. The recent changes introduced by BEST signify a concerted effort to modernise Mumbai’s public transport system, aligning it with global standards of efficiency and sustainability. By enhancing connectivity, comfort, and integration with the metro network, BEST is paving the way for a more sustainable and commuter-friendly urban mobility landscape in Mumbai.
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