Bombay High Court order stops BEST buses inside SGNP; e-bus fare rises to Rs 100

Park visitors board the bus to Kanheri Caves. PIC/SATEJ SHINDE

Acting on the directions of the Bombay High Court and its monitoring committee, the BEST bus service inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) has been completely halted. However, to ensure connectivity for tourists, the park administration has continued operating e-bus/CNG services between the main entrance and Kanheri Caves - a move that has sparked anger among visitors, as the fare has jumped to Rs 100 per person from the earlier Rs 20 charged by BEST buses.

The bus waits to ferry passengers to Kanheri Caves. PICS/SATEJ SHINDE

SGNP announcement

On Wednesday, SGNP's official Instagram account said, "As per directions of the Bombay High Court and the high-powered committee, the BEST bus service has been completely discontinued. For the convenience of visitors, the park administration has continued the e-bus/CNG bus service. The fare for this service is Rs 100 per person."

The kiosk to book tickets at the SGNP main gate

Increased burden

A large number of tourists and wildlife enthusiasts visit SGNP daily. For those wishing to visit Kanheri Caves, the BEST bus service was the preferred option as it was the most affordable and convenient mode of transport, which are located far from the SGNP main gate. Visitors say the halt of the service has forced them to rely on paid e-bus or e-rickshaw options, increasing costs. Tourists and wildlife lovers argue the move hurts budget visitors and discourages eco-friendly travel.

Visitors left fuming

Anand Mohite, Wildlife enthusiast and regular park visitor
‘Charging Rs 100 per person with 60-70 passengers aboard means they are charging Rs 7000 per trip and Rs 14,000 for a round trip on a short 12-km route. With multiple trips daily, the earnings run into lakhs. Meanwhile, the common citizen is being milked at every step - Rs 133 park entry, Rs 100 bus fare, Rs 25 for Kanheri Caves, Rs 100 to hire a bicycle, and more hidden costs. How is an ordinary family supposed to afford this? A national park is meant for public access and conservation, not for squeezing money out of visitors and turning nature into a business venture.'

Ganesh Vakale, Nature lover and park observer
‘This decision appears driven by personal perception and socio-political interests, with little regard for social welfare. Not everyone can afford R100 for a 7-km ride to the caves when the public BEST bus earlier charged just Rs 20. The ban also disrupts transport for indigenous tribal hamlets living there for generations. Courts must consider these ground realities before curbing a public service introduced through a government welfare resolution.'

Hitendra Pachkale, Tourist
‘The BEST bus service inside SGNP was the most affordable mode of transport for visitors. Since CNG buses are environmentally friendly, BEST's CNG buses should continue to ferry passengers to Kanheri Caves. Visitors already have to pay multiple charges levied by park authorities, including the entry fee, tiger and lion safari tickets, and fees for other activities. How can the common man enjoy these facilities if the rates keep increasing?'

Did you know?

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has stopped the operation of its air-conditioned bus route A-188 between Borivali East railway station and Kanheri Caves in SGNP on January 17, 2026. The decision follows directions from the Bombay High Court, officials said. Meanwhile, a regular visitor to the park told mid-day that the e-bus ticket at SGNP was priced at R50 in 2024.

Official Speak

SGNP deputy director, (South)
‘The BEST bus services were discontinued due to the Bombay High Court order. We have a fleet of three environment-friendly (electric/CNG) buses that ferry visitors going to Kanheri Caves. Revenue generated from the tourists is used for the upkeep and maintenance of SGNP.'

Ticket at a glance
(As displayed at the park)

Entry Ticket
Adult Rs 133
Child Rs 61

Tiger Safari
Adult Rs 150
Child (5 yrs-12 yrs) Rs 61

Lokvihar (boating)
Two-seater Rs 113
Four-seater Rs 230

Main gate to Kanheri Caves (E-buggy)
Adult: Rs 150 / Child: Rs 100

E-bus Adult: Rs 100 / Child: Rs 50

To tourist complex area (E-buggy)
Adult: Rs 100 / Child: Rs 50