Mumbai’s public transport network will receive a timely boost as the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking has announced the operation of 25 additional buses daily from September 22 to October 1. The move comes in response to the surge in travel demand during the annual Mahalakshmi Yatra and the nine-day Navratri festival, both of which draw thousands of devotees and commuters to central Mumbai.
The Mahalakshmi Temple witnesses one of its largest gatherings during this period, with visitors arriving from across the city and beyond. Many devotees use the suburban rail network to reach Byculla and Mahalaxmi stations, and BEST buses form a critical last-mile connection to the temple. Anticipating heavy footfall, officials confirmed that services will be intensified on routes that pass through or terminate near the temple. Special services will operate between Byculla Station (West) and Breach Candy Hospital, Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk and Breach Candy Hospital, Colaba Bus Station and Santacruz Depot, as well as Mumbai Central Depot and Electric House. Dedicated trips will also be added from Mumbai Central and Shivajinagar depots to ensure a smooth flow of passengers heading towards the Mahalakshmi Temple.
According to transport officials, additional trips will run on high-frequency routes, particularly those connecting Prabhodhankar Thackeray Udyan in Shivdi with the temple via Lalbaug, Chinchpokli, Saat Rasta and Mahalaxmi railway station. Inspectors and traffic officers from nearby depots are being deployed to manage the rush and streamline boarding operations at busy junctions. Transport experts note that festival-linked crowd surges often strain Mumbai’s road and rail systems, but the advance planning by BEST is a significant step towards ensuring passenger convenience. The deployment of extra buses is expected to not only reduce congestion but also encourage more citizens to choose public transport over private vehicles, easing the environmental load on the city’s already stressed infrastructure.
Officials emphasised that BEST remains committed to offering safe, reliable and eco-friendly travel for citizens. While additional buses during festivals are not new, this year’s arrangements reflect a growing recognition of sustainable mobility as a public necessity. Public transport planners believe such steps also contribute to reducing the city’s carbon footprint, aligning with broader goals of creating more liveable and climate-resilient urban spaces. With Mumbai’s festive season in full swing, transport preparedness has become critical to ensure seamless mobility across the city. BEST’s decision to expand capacity during Navratri highlights the role of public transport not just as a commuter service, but as a cultural enabler that sustains the city’s rhythm during peak celebrations.
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