Mumbai Launches Special Buses For Ganpati Festival Commuters
Mumbai is set to ensure seamless mobility for devotees this Ganeshotsav with a special initiative by the city’s public transport authority. From August 27 to September 6, 10 dedicated overnight buses will operate between 11 pm and 6 am, connecting key city areas to prominent Ganesh pandals. Officials said the move aims to facilitate safer, eco-friendly, and convenient travel during one of Maharashtra’s most celebrated festivals.
The special services will link south Mumbai to both eastern and western suburbs, covering popular pilgrimage points in Girgaum, Lalbaug, Parel, and Chembur. Bus routes include 4 Ltd, A-8, A-21, A-25, A-42, A-44, 51, 64, 66, and 69, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the city. According to transport officials, the initiative is designed to reduce private vehicle congestion, encourage the use of public transport, and lower vehicular emissions along busy festival corridors.
To maximise convenience, buses will allow passengers to board and alight at any signalled stop, ensuring devotees can reach their destinations without undue delay. This flexible system is intended to enhance accessibility while maintaining punctuality for overnight services. Officials emphasised that this approach aligns with the city’s broader sustainable mobility strategy, promoting zero-carbon, equitable public transport during high-demand periods.
Crowd management is another key focus, with inspectors deployed at bus stops to maintain order and facilitate efficient boarding. Depot managers have been instructed to ensure timely departures and continuous operations throughout the night, guaranteeing uninterrupted services. Officials noted that careful planning and proactive monitoring are essential to handling the anticipated surge in commuter numbers during the festival. The Ganeshotsav festival attracts thousands of devotees who visit elaborately decorated pandals to offer prayers, seek blessings, and participate in cultural programmes. Experts highlight that providing reliable and eco-conscious transport options during such large-scale public events contributes to safer streets, reduces traffic congestion, and lowers urban air pollution.
Transport authorities said the initiative complements existing urban mobility strategies, supporting the city’s goals of sustainable and inclusive public transport. By offering night-time bus services, the programme reduces dependence on private vehicles, mitigates traffic pressure on major roads, and ensures safer travel for families attending the festivities. Officials further stated that the initiative could serve as a model for future festival-related transport planning, integrating flexible operations, crowd management, and sustainability in urban mobility frameworks. With coordinated efforts between depot managers, inspectors, and drivers, Mumbai aims to provide a smooth, safe, and convenient travel experience for all Ganeshotsav devotees.
