BEST strengthens bus services for MMRDA's first Public Transport Day at BKC in Mumbai

At present, BEST operates 16 bus routes serving BKC with a fleet of 125 buses. Representational Pic/File

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has announced special arrangements to support the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority's (MMRDA) first Public Transport Day, which will be observed at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) on Friday.

The initiative aims to encourage greater use of public transport and improve commuter convenience in one of Mumbai's busiest commercial hubs.

To manage passenger movement efficiently, BEST will deploy officers at major transport hubs, including Bandra Station (East) and Kurla Station (East) during the morning peak hours.

In the evening, officers will be stationed across BKC to monitor commuter demand and assess passenger loads.

Officials will ensure that sufficient bus services are available to cater to passengers travelling to and from the business district.

Focus on smooth bus operations

BEST has instructed all operational staff to ensure that scheduled services run without disruption.

The undertaking has directed depot managers to operate all existing BKC-bound trips and avoid detaining any buses. Bus inspectors will also patrol routes to monitor services and ensure adequate bus availability throughout the day.

125 buses currently serving BKC

At present, BEST operates 16 bus routes serving BKC with a fleet of 125 buses.

Of these, four dedicated feeder routes comprising 33 buses connect Bandra Station (East) and Kurla Station (West) directly to BKC, helping commuters complete the last leg of their journey conveniently.

BEST has also kept provisions for deploying extra buses if passenger demand exceeds expectations.

Depot managers at Dharavi and Kurla have been instructed to introduce additional services whenever required. Officials said further operational plans for extra buses will be prepared based on observations made during the Public Transport Day initiative.

Encouraging public transport use

The initiative is expected to encourage more commuters to opt for buses and other public transport modes while reducing dependence on private vehicles.

The officials said the arrangements are aimed at ensuring seamless travel for office-goers and visitors travelling to BKC on Friday.

MMRDA has proposed that every Friday be observed as ‘Public Transport Day' in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), as part of a new initiative aimed at encouraging sustainable and eco-friendly commuting practices, officials said on Wednesday.

MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee on Wednesday told the ANI that the initiative was entirely voluntary and designed as a public participation-driven effort rather than a regulatory measure.