Thane double-decker bus enters Mumbai on every trip just to make a U-turn, here's why

The unusual route has attracted attention from public transport enthusiasts. Pic/Gandharva Purohit

One of Thane Municipal Transport's (TMT) electric double-decker buses has become an unusual sight by crossing into Mumbai on every trip - not to begin or end its journey, but simply to make a U-turn before returning to Thane.

The distinctive operating pattern has made Route 66 one of the few municipal bus services that routinely crosses a city boundary purely because of road design.

The electric double-decker operates on Route 66 between Wagle Circle (Road No. 22 Naka) and Bhayanderpada via West Check Naka and Teen Haat Naka.

Each journey begins at Kopri Depot, where the bus is also charged before entering service. From there, it travels to Wagle Circle and continues along its scheduled route.

Brief entry into Mumbai

After crossing the Thane-Mumbai border at Check Naka, the bus continues into Mumbai as far as Mulund MHADA Colony.

Rather than starting or ending a passenger service there, the bus simply makes a U-turn before retracing its route through West Check Naka, Teen Haat Naka and Wagle Circle, continuing onwards to Bhayanderpada.

Road layout dictates the route

According to transport officials, the brief journey into Mumbai is an operational requirement rather than an extension of the route.

The road layout and traffic management arrangements make the U-turn at Mulund MHADA Colony the most practical option before the bus returns to Thane.

The daily return to Kopri Depot also allows the electric double-decker to recharge its batteries before resuming service.

A curiosity for bus enthusiasts

The unusual route has attracted attention from public transport enthusiasts.

"It's a fascinating operational quirk. The Route 66 double-decker briefly enters Mumbai only to take a U-turn at Mulund MHADA Colony before returning to Thane. It's probably one of the few city bus routes that crosses a municipal boundary simply because the road layout requires it," said bus enthusiast and commuter Gandharva Purohit.

The unique routing has made Route 66 a notable example of how operational requirements can shape public transport services, even when they briefly cross municipal boundaries.