Mumbai marks 100 years of BEST bus service with recreation of first historic journey

The heritage ride concludes at Crawford Market, recreating the inaugural BEST bus journey first undertaken on July 15, 1926. Pics/Rajendra B Aklekar

Exactly 100 years after Mumbai's first motorbus hit the roads, bus enthusiasts on Wednesday recreated the city's inaugural BEST journey, travelling from Afghan Church to Crawford Market along the same historic route first covered on July 15, 1926.

Adding an emotional touch to the centenary celebration was Altaf Shaikh, grandson of Haji Fakir Mohammed Baba Kumbharlikar, the conductor of Mumbai's first bus, who joined historians, retired BEST employees and transport enthusiasts on the commemorative ride. The event began at the Afghan Church at 3 pm, tracing the original route taken by the city's first motorbus.

Participants celebrate 100 years of Mumbai's first motorbus service with a cake-cutting ceremony at Crawford Market

Timeline

1913
BEST begins exploring the idea of introducing motorbuses

1914-1918
World War I delays the project

February 10, 1926
Decision taken to launch a motorbus service

July 15, 1926
Mumbai's first motorbus begins operations

1928
Some buses are fitted with onboard post boxes

July 15, 2026
Bus enthusiasts recreate the historic inaugural journey

Voices

Yatin Pimpale, former BEST Bus Museum curator
‘Not many things complete a century, and this one has. It has served generations, and one needs to celebrate it.'

Shubham Padave, bus enthusiast and organiser
‘The first bus had run from Afghan Church to Crawford Market. It was an A2-class bus manufactured by British manufacturer Thornycroft and ran on July 15, 1926. Today, we traced the same historic route, started the bus from Afghan Church and took it to Crawford Market by recreating the historic run.'

Altaf Shaikh, grandson of the first bus conductor, Haji Fakir Mohammed Baba Kumbharlikar
‘Had my ancestors been alive, they would have relived the entire moment. I am lucky to be a part of this historic ride, and through me, my granddad and dad must be proud up there.'

Did you know?

>> BEST first considered motorised buses in 1913
>> The plan was delayed by World War I
>> Service was started after years of debate over safety, after mishaps involving London buses

Then and now

1926 2026
A2-class bus built by British manufacturer Thornycroft: Tata LPO 1618 AMT bus
20-seat capacity: Heritage commemorative ride
Route: Afghan Church to Crawford Market Route: Afghan Church to Crawford Market
First run July 15, 1926: Recreated on July 15, 2026