BKC Public Transport Day: BEST to deploy 12 additional buses, 104 Chalo Premium services for Mumbaikars

To ensure smooth services for commuters, BEST has deployed 12 additional buses on key routes and will press 104 ‘Chalo Premium’ on-demand buses into service in the Bandra-Kurla Complex area. Representational pic

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has made special arrangements for the second weekly ‘Sarthak Vahatuk Seva Din (Public Transport Service Day),' which will be observed on Friday, June 19, at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC).

The initiative, which started on June 12, is being held every Friday to promote the use of public transport and reduce fuel consumption in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal. Officers and employees working in BKC have been encouraged to use public transport instead of private vehicles on this day.

The drive is a joint effort of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL), Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL), BEST, Mumbai Traffic Police, World Resources Institute (WRI), and other stakeholders.

To ensure smooth services for commuters, BEST has deployed 12 additional buses on key routes and will press 104 ‘Chalo Premium' on-demand buses into service in the Bandra-Kurla Complex area.

Additional buses will be provided on the following routes:

Route 310: Kurla Station (West) to Bandra Railway Terminus - Four buses

Route BKC-2: Kurla Station (West) to Swavalamban Bhavan (BKC) - Four buses

Route BKC-3: Bandra Bus Station (East) to CA Institute (BKC) - Four buses

More staff and inspectors will also be deployed at major bus stops to guide passengers.

The weekly Public Transport Service Day aims to reduce traffic congestion, promote eco-friendly commuting, and create greater awareness about sustainable mobility in Mumbai's key financial district.

Commuters sought better last-mile connectivity and bus frequency

On June 13, mid-day.com reported that Mumbai's first weekly 'Public Transport Day' in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), observed on June 12, received a cautiously positive response from office-goers, property owners and transport experts.

While stakeholders welcomed the initiative as a step towards reducing traffic congestion and vehicular emissions in the city's key commercial district, many stressed that its long-term success would depend on significant improvements in last-mile connectivity, more frequent public transport services and stricter regulation of autos and taxis.

Several commuters said they supported efforts to encourage the use of public transport and reduce dependence on private vehicles. However, they pointed out that reaching offices from Mumbai Metro and railway stations remained a challenge due to inadequate bus frequency and difficulties in finding autos and taxis, particularly during peak hours.