Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking has unveiled three new air-conditioned (AC) bus routes to improve the commuting experience for city dwellers. The new routes, introduced on Thursday, are designed to offer more comfort and reliability to Mumbai’s vast and varied passenger base. With a total of 30 new buses now part of the fleet, the service aims to meet growing demand for better public transport options, especially in the face of Mumbai’s relentless traffic congestion and the increasing need for sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives.
The three newly introduced routes – A-7 from Pydhonie to Vikhroli depot, A-511 from Ghatkopar to Nerul, and Corridor AC-53 from Ghatkopar to Kalamboli – are strategically placed to cover key areas of the city, ensuring that passengers across different parts of Mumbai can access the enhanced AC bus service. With a fleet of 30 new buses already deployed, BEST has indicated plans to roll out additional buses, bringing the total number to 100 in the near future. These buses are part of a larger effort by the BEST Undertaking to modernise the city’s transport system and reduce the growing dependency on private vehicles, which has been a major contributor to urban congestion. While the new routes are a welcome move for commuters, particularly in areas like Ghatkopar and Vikhroli that see heavy traffic, they also represent a step towards achieving the city’s sustainability goals. The air-conditioned buses are expected to offer greater comfort for passengers, a crucial factor during Mumbai’s hot and humid weather, while also providing a more reliable alternative to overcrowded trains.
BEST’s move to enhance its fleet aligns with the city’s broader push for eco-friendly and sustainable public transport. The new buses, running on cleaner energy, are part of the city’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. By investing in modern, energy-efficient buses, BEST is making a significant contribution towards achieving Mumbai’s goal of zero net carbon emissions in the future. The service is also a step towards creating more equitable urban spaces, where people across income groups can have access to safe, comfortable, and environmentally-friendly transport options. The introduction of these new routes also addresses the long-standing issue of overcrowding on Mumbai’s public transport system. With more people opting for buses over private vehicles, BEST hopes to ease the pressure on the city’s already strained local train services, which often struggle to accommodate the growing number of passengers. Additionally, the air-conditioned buses are expected to attract more people to use public transport, providing a more attractive option for those previously reluctant to use buses due to comfort concerns.
While the move is expected to significantly improve the daily commute for thousands of Mumbaikars, there are still challenges ahead. The city’s infrastructure, though improving, continues to face issues related to congestion, delays, and maintenance. The expansion of BEST’s fleet with new buses is a positive development, but it will require ongoing investments in maintenance, driver training, and technological upgrades to ensure that the service remains reliable and efficient. Furthermore, the growing population of Mumbai presents an ongoing challenge for transport authorities, requiring continuous improvements to meet demand and enhance the city’s public transport system. In a city as fast-paced as Mumbai, the introduction of new AC bus routes by BEST is more than just an upgrade to the city’s transport system; it represents a forward-thinking move towards a greener, more sustainable future. While there is still much work to be done to ensure that Mumbai’s public transport can keep pace with the demands of its growing population, these new buses are a welcome addition that will undoubtedly benefit countless commuters across the city.