08 August,2026 10:02 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
Rare and carefully crafted models of BEST buses by Yatin Pimpale were a major attraction at the event. Pic/Special Arrangement
A century of Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport's (BEST) motorised bus service was celebrated at the David Sassoon Library and Reading Room in Kala Ghoda on Saturday, bringing together transport enthusiasts, historians and collectors to revisit the history of Mumbai's iconic public transport system.
The programme, titled "BEST Motorised Buses @ 100 - A Journey Through Time on Mumbai's Iconic Buses", showcased rare photographs, old tickets, bus models and stories tracing the evolution of BEST buses over the past 100 years.
The collection was assembled and displayed by Nirmal Sarkar, Vijay Sonawane and Ankush Kalantre.
A key highlight of the event was the launch of Centenary of Motorised Bus Service, a book by Swamynathan R.
The publication looks at the journey of motorised bus services in Mumbai and their role in shaping the city's public transport network.
The event marked 100 years since motorised BEST buses were introduced in Mumbai in 1926.
An exhibition of old BEST tickets offered visitors a glimpse into the city's transport history.
The collection was assembled and displayed by Nirmal Sarkar, Vijay Sonawane and Ankush Kalantre.
The tickets reflected how fares, ticket designs and the city's bus services have changed over the decades.
Rare and carefully crafted models of BEST buses by Yatin Pimpale were another major attraction at the event.
The models showcased different generations of BEST buses and offered visitors an opportunity to see the evolution of the vehicles in miniature form.
The programme also featured rare photographs and stories documenting the development of BEST buses and their contribution to Mumbai's public transport system.
The exhibition and programme were curated by Yogesh Shah and Arvind Dave.
Through photographs, memorabilia and personal collections, the event highlighted the role BEST buses have played in the daily lives of generations of Mumbaikars.
BEST's motorised bus service began in Mumbai in 1926 and has since become an important part of the city's transport history.
The centenary programme offered visitors an opportunity to look back at the changes in Mumbai's buses, routes and commuting patterns over the decades.
The celebration at the historic David Sassoon Library also brought together people with a shared interest in the city's transport heritage, ensuring that the story of BEST's buses could be remembered through books, photographs, tickets and models.
