03 July,2026 08:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
No major congestion, overcrowding or operational issues were reported despite the additional passenger movement expected under the initiative. Representational pic
The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) on Friday operated 12 additional buses in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) as part of the weekly 'Public Transport Day' initiative aimed at encouraging commuters to use public transport and reducing the use of private vehicles in the city's commercial hub.
According to operational data shared by transport officials, the additional buses were deployed across multiple routes to cater to office-goers travelling to and from BKC during peak hours.
Depot-wise, DHD Depot operated four extra buses on route BKC-3 and another four on route 310. KKD Depot deployed two additional buses on route BKC-1, while KLD Depot operated two extra buses on route BKC-2.
The additional services supplemented the regular fleet of 36 scheduled buses operating in the area, increasing the overall carrying capacity for commuters travelling to and from BKC.
Officials said passenger movement remained normal throughout the day at key locations, including BKC, Bandra Bus Station, and Kurla West. No major congestion, overcrowding, or operational issues were reported despite the additional passenger movement expected under the initiative.
The 'BKC Weekly Public Transport Day', observed every Friday, was launched by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) in June to encourage employees working in the business district to choose public transport over private vehicles.
As part of the initiative, commuters are encouraged to use Mumbai Metro, BEST buses, walk, or carpool while travelling to and from BKC. The campaign is voluntary and seeks to promote sustainable commuting habits among employees working in one of Mumbai's busiest commercial districts.
MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee had earlier said the initiative was based on public participation rather than enforcement.
"It was unanimously decided that Friday should be observed as 'Public Transport Day' in BKC. This is entirely a public initiative. It is completely optional, and it is expected that every citizen who works or lives within the BKC jurisdiction shall observe Friday as a public transport day. This means they would choose to walk, use a carpool, or take the bus or metro," he had said.
BKC houses several corporate offices, banks, financial institutions, and commercial establishments, and witnesses heavy vehicular traffic on weekdays, particularly during office hours. Authorities hope that encouraging greater use of buses, metro services, and other shared transport options on Fridays will help ease congestion and reduce dependence on private vehicles.
