08 June,2026 07:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
The first BEST bus, 1926. Pics/By Special Arrangement
As the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking prepares to celebrate 100 years of motor bus services this July, one name stands out in its history - Haji Fakir Mohammed Baba Kumbharlikar, officially recorded as BEST's first bus conductor.
His descendants have now shared a rare family document - a typewritten letter dated January 13, 1978 - shedding light on his remarkable journey. Before joining BEST, Kumbharlikar worked as a seaman during the First World War years. Even after retirement, he volunteered his services during a plane crash near Bandra in 1978. He passed away three years later, in 1981.
Haji Fakir Mohammed Baba Kumbharlikar, being felicitated by then Mayor Manohar Joshi in 1976. Pics/By Special Arrangement
Born in Chiplun in 1896, Haji Fakir Mohammed Baba Kumbharlikar belonged to a family named after the historic Kumbharli Ghat near Ratnagiri. After serving on BEST's trams and later its first buses, he retired in 1957 following more than three decades of service. In 1976, he was felicitated during BEST's Golden Jubilee celebrations by then Mayor Manohar Joshi.
Kumbharlikar's working life began far from Bombay. In 1911, at about 15 years of age, he travelled to Karachi and worked as a "Captain-Boy" aboard the government steamer Patristool until 1913. The role gave him hands-on experience in tracing and recovering cargo lost at sea.
The handwritten letter sent by Haji Fakir Mohammed Baba Kumbharlikar expressing his desire to serve the nation after the 1978 Bandra air crash
In 1914, he joined the Karachi Port Trust as a signalman at the Karachi Lighthouse. "His years in Karachi coincided with the First World War. As per the family archives, he gained considerable experience during the war period through his work at the aerodrome - experience he would later offer to the nation once again," said his grandson, Altaf Shaikh.
Kumbharlikar arrived in Bombay in 1921 and joined the BEST Company as a tram conductor in 1925. The following year, when BEST launched its motor bus service, he became a bus conductor. "I vividly remember that he spoke excellent English. That may have made him popular with the British administration and helped him secure the role," Shaikh said.
The Municipal Corporation of Greater Bombay first felicitated him in 1972. Four years later, on July 15, 1976, he was honoured again during BEST's Golden Jubilee celebrations chaired by then Mayor Manohar Joshi. The event was also covered on television, and Kumbharlikar was interviewed on July 13, 1976.
At the age of 83, after reading about the âSamrat Ashoka' crash near Bandra, Kumbharlikar approached authorities at Santacruz Aerodrome and offered his help.
In a letter to authorities, he cited his experience in maritime recovery operations and wartime aerodrome work, writing: "I know the work which will be helpful and useful for my country and I desire to serve my Nation."
The letter, signed by H Fakir Mohammed Baba, remains a rare record of his lifelong commitment to public service.
Shaikh recalled an incident that reflected his grandfather's integrity. "While travelling with family from Mahim to Parel, there was confusion over the tickets. A bus inspector recognised Baba and saluted him, but he refused to travel without paying. When the inspector declined to collect a penalty, Baba waited for the next bus, bought tickets equivalent to the fare and paid the amount. He took immense pride in BEST and always paid for his travel," Shaikh said.
A bus enthusiasts' group has announced a special event on July 15, 2026, to mark 100 years of BEST's motor bus services. The programme will include a heritage bus ride in South Mumbai, a commemorative gathering and souvenir distribution. The event aims to celebrate a century of BEST's contribution to Mumbai's public transport network and bring together bus enthusiasts and former and current commuters to commemorate the milestone. Route and assembly details are to be shared with registered participants ahead of the event.
1925
Year Kumbharlikar joined BEST. Its bus service started in 1926
1957
Year Haji Kumbharlikar retired from BEST
