04 May,2025 07:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Santacruz Metro Aqua Line-3 station exit on Western Express Highway. File pic
In a bid to enhance last-mile connectivity, complementing the upcoming launch of the second phase of the Mumbai Metro Line-3, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has proposed rationalising 32 bus routes this year, news agency PTI reported.
According to official documents accessed by PTI, the plan includes the augmentation of 13 routes (464 trips), the diversion of six routes (264 trips), the extension of three routes (78 trips), and the curtailment of 10 routes (435 trips), totalling 1,241 trips. This initiative is expected to reduce the average passenger wait times by up to 15 minutes.
Last month, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had reviewed BEST's financial status. The undertaking operates a fleet of around 2,800 buses, down from 4,500 a decade ago, and serves over 30 lakh passengers daily in Mumbai and its surrounding areas.
During the review meeting with the CM, the transport body presented its route rationalisation strategy in anticipation of the full rollout of Mumbai Metro Line-3 (Colaba-BKC-Aarey), also known as the Aqua Line. The second phase of the underground corridor, between Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Worli Naka, is expected to launch soon, with the final phase to Cuffe Parade anticipated in the coming months. The first phase (Aarey Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road to BKC) was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year in October.
In addition to route rationalisation, BEST plans to deploy 29 additional buses on 17 routes for Phase-II and 50 buses on 30 routes for Phase-III. Currently, the transport body operates 45 and 84 buses, respectively, on these routes.
According to BEST officials, the rationalisation is intended to integrate the bus network with operational metro corridors, provide feeder services, and bridge gaps in connectivity, PTI reported. "The new operations will follow a ring-route pattern, linking metro stations with suburban rail hubs and commercial centres," an official said.
BEST, Mumbai's second-largest public transport provider after the suburban railway network - which serves over 75 lakh million commuters daily - has been grappling with its worst financial crisis in years. Passenger service revenue has fallen below Rs 700 crore in the past two fiscals.
The transport body has also proposed a fare revision, which has been approved by the Mumbai civic body and the Regional Transport Authority.
Once the minutes of the authority's meeting are signed, the implementation of the revised fares will be decided, officials confirmed.
The proposed fare changes include doubling the minimum fare for the first 5 km and removing the fare cap of Rs 20 (non-AC) and Rs 25 (air-conditioned buses) for journeys beyond 20 km. Officials said the revised fare is expected to generate an additional Rs 590 crore in annual ticketing revenue.
(With PTI inputs)
