After a six-year wait, Navi Mumbai commuters finally have reason to rejoice as the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) opened the Vashi bus depot on Monday. The 21-storeyed depot, valued at Rs 190 crore, had been ready for operations over 18 months ago, but inauguration delays meant commuters continued to use temporary boarding points along the busy Vashi–Kopar Khairane road, facing exposure to traffic hazards, sun, and rain.
The depot is now fully operational, providing a centralised hub for the Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) services. Officials said the opening, coinciding with the model code of conduct for municipal elections, allowed the administration to sidestep political delays in the inauguration. “The Vashi depot represents a major step forward in urban mobility for Navi Mumbai, easing pressure on older infrastructure and improving commuter safety,” an NMMC official said. Designed to modern standards, the depot integrates multiple facilities to support operational efficiency and commuter convenience. It can accommodate several buses simultaneously, while offering proper boarding and alighting points, administrative offices, parking for staff, and basic amenities for drivers. Urban planning experts noted that such infrastructure significantly reduces congestion on arterial roads and helps in streamlining the public transport network.
The prolonged delay had forced thousands of daily commuters to rely on makeshift stops along one of Navi Mumbai’s busiest corridors. Industry experts highlighted that prolonged construction or operational delays not only inconvenience commuters but also contribute indirectly to increased emissions and traffic congestion, as buses take longer to load and depart. “A centralised depot like Vashi’s will optimise turnaround times, reduce idle traffic on main roads, and provide a cleaner, safer waiting environment,” a transport planner commented. In line with sustainable urban development principles, the depot’s design also emphasises energy efficiency, safety, and accessibility. With the structure now fully functional, NMMC anticipates smoother operations and reduced pressure on surrounding roads during peak hours. Residents and daily passengers expressed relief at the opening, noting that the long-awaited facility marks a tangible improvement in commuting infrastructure.
Looking ahead, officials said the NMMC plans to replicate similar modernised depots across Navi Mumbai to enhance public transport efficiency, improve commuter experience, and align with broader city planning objectives aimed at inclusive, safe, and sustainable urban mobility.
Vashi Bus Depot Opens After Six Years Bringing Commuters Major Relief
