MU clears way for BEST bus 318 Vidyanagari route to roll into campus again

Route 318 allows students to reach key locations within the university’s expansive campus. Representation pic/Ashish Raje

Barely a month after barring a section of the 318 BEST route connecting Kurla West and Santacruz East via Mumbai University's Vidyanagari campus, the university has approved its resumption.

Route curbs

Unlike other buses, this BEST bus would initially travel from within the Kalina-based university grounds and was used by several students to reach the important spots within the large expanse of the campus. However, in March, the bus was rerouted to only stop outside the campus owing to alleged security concerns posed by an ex-research student.

Court order

Following the High Court's verdict, former PhD student Rajesh Balkhande vacated the campus. He had been conducting a months-long sit-in protest since last year to challenge the unaided status of the Pali department.

"We have asked the BEST authorities to resume services within the campus. Once formalities are completed, the route will function as before," said Registrar Prasad Karande.

During its budget session, the university also announced plans to introduce battery-operated vehicles to improve internal mobility. Officials said around Rs 30 lakh has been allocated for nearly five such vehicles.