IN PHOTOS: Mumbai marks 100 years of BEST motorised bus services

A century of Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport's (BEST) motorised bus service was celebrated at the David Sassoon Library and Reading Room in Kala Ghoda on Saturday. Story/Rajendra B. Aklekar and Pics/Special Arrangement

Updated On: 2026-08-08 08:30 PM IST

Compiled by : Asif Ali Sayed

The event brought together transport enthusiasts, historians and collectors to revisit the history of Mumbai's iconic public transport system. Story/Rajendra B. Aklekar and Pics/Special Arrangement

The programme, titled “BEST Motorised Buses @100 – A Journey Through Time on Mumbai's Iconic Buses”, showcased rare photographs, old tickets, bus models and stories tracing the evolution of BEST buses over the past 100 years

BEST's motorised bus service began in Mumbai in 1926 and has since become an important part of the city's transport history

An exhibition of old BEST tickets offered visitors a glimpse into the city's transport history. The collection was assembled and displayed by Nirmal Sarkar, Vijay Sonawane and Ankush Kalantre. The tickets reflected how fares, ticket designs and the city's bus services have changed over the decades

The collection was assembled and displayed by Jigar Desai, Nirmal Sarkar, Vijay Sonawane and Ankush Kalantre

The celebration at the historic David Sassoon Library also brought together people with a shared interest in the city's transport heritage, ensuring that the story of BEST's buses could be remembered through books, photographs, tickets and models

Through photographs, memorabilia and personal collections, the event highlighted the role BEST buses have played in the daily lives of generations of Mumbaikars

A key highlight of the event was the launch of Centenary of Motorised Bus Service, a book by Swamynathan R. The publication looks at the journey of motorised bus services in Mumbai and their role in shaping the city's public transport network

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