05 May,2025 07:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer Surve
An overcrowded BEST bus near Dahanukarwadi Metro station. Pic/Satej Shinde
With Mumbai's Metro network rapidly expanding, the daily commute has become faster and more efficient - for those on the train, at least. But for thousands stepping out of sleek new stations into traffic chaos, the final leg of the journey remains a huge hassle. Responding to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's directive to boost self-revenue, the BEST undertaking is now mulling "Metro Circuit" bus routes to link stations with key residential and commercial areas routes.
Datta Samant Chowk bus stop near Sakinaka Metro station lacks proper last-mile planning. Pic/Dweep Bane
BEST has initiated a study to finalise these last-mile routes, even as a shortage of buses hampers immediate rollout. Currently, 43 Metro stations across three lines are functional, but connectivity drops drastically once passengers disembark - forcing many to walk long distances, wait endlessly for overcrowded buses, or pay steep auto fares. To understand just how broken the last-mile connection is, mid-day visited five busy Metro stations - Santacruz, Aarey JVLR, Dahanukarwadi, Gundavli, and Sakinaka - to trace the commuter struggle and spotlight the urgent need for dedicated feeder services.
A BEST official said that when deciding on a new route, the transport department conducts a survey. In cases where an existing route is changed, the decision is based on a ridership study. "This is a regular process, but now we are planning new bus routes keeping Metro stations in mind," the official added. BEST currently operates a fleet of 2800 buses. About 400 buses will be retired by November. "We will receive a new fleet of 2100 buses in April 2026. Until then, routes with low ridership will be either cut or diverted," officials said.
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Line: Yellow Line 2A
Entry/Exit: New Link Road, Kandivli West
Dahanukarwadi Metro Station exits (A1 and A2) on Yellow Line 2A show poor commuter connectivity. PIC/SATEJ SHINDE
Why a bus is needed
Although multiple buses pass through this station, none originate here and go directly to Charkop sectors. Commuters often face long waits for autos, and peak hour traffic inflates rickshaw fares. Commuters don't find Metro a great alternative to regular suburban trains.
Key distances
To Charkop Gaon: 2 km
To Sector 3: 3.5 km
To Sector 6: 900 m
Crowded BEST bus at Maharashtra Nagar stop, 100m from Dahanukarwadi Metro Station A1 (Yellow Line 2A). PIC/SATEJ SHINDE
Nearest bus stop: Maharashtra Nagar (within 100 m)
"I live in Charkop Sector 3 and work near Bisleri Junction in Andheri," said Trupti Divecha. "I was happy when the Metro started - it's a 10-minute walk from Gundavli station, and no one in Mumbai minds a 20-minute walk. But getting to and from Dahanukarwadi Metro is still a struggle. I prefer Kandivli station since buses and shared autos from there go via Charkop. The only reason I still take the Metro is the 45-minute peaceful AC ride. They should really start last-mile services from Metro stations into Charkop - it's a proper middle-class area."
Line: Aqua Line 3
Entry/Exit: Western Express Highway
Why a bus is needed
The station serves daily commuters heading to BKC, Mumbai University, and nearby residential areas like Kalina. There is currently no bus that originates from the station. Instead, commuters must rely on packed buses from the distant Santacruz Depot or face long walks and scarce auto rickshaws.
Santacruz Metro station (Aqua Line 3) entry on Western Express Highway has gaps in last mile connectivity. PIC/Satej Shinde
Key distances
Santacruz Metro to Vakola: 2.2 km
Santacruz Metro to Kalina Village: 2.7 km
Santacruz Metro to Mumbai University: 3.6 km
Residents ask authorities to identify peak Mumbai university timings in Santacruz. PIC/ASHISH RAJE
Nearest bus stop: Vakola police station (567 m)
"My office pays for my Metro pass, but reaching the Metro station is the real struggle," said Jagruti Dabhade, a Kalina resident working in BKC. "There are no shared autos, and walking 2-3 km after a full day of work is exhausting."
Professor Vandana Desai from Mumbai University echoed the need for shuttles, suggesting timed services for university hours and regular routes to Kalina the rest of the day. "It would really help if BEST buses started shuttle services from the Metro station to inside the university as the campus is also very big. The authorities can identify peak university timings and start the shuttle services from the Metro station that go to various departments inside the university," Desai said.
2800
No of buses BEST currently operates
Line: Aqua Line 3
Entry/Exit: Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR)
Why a bus is needed
The station sees high footfall from frequent flyers and residents of Bhandup, Mulund, and Vikhroli. While buses to SEEPZ village are available, they are overcrowded and do not originate from the station, making boarding a challenge.
At Aarey JVLR Metro station (Aqua Line 3), commuters walk 100-200m for BEST buses or rickshaws. PIC/SATEJ SHINDE
Key distances
Aarey JVLR Metro to SEEPZ Village: 3 km
To Bhandup: 11 km
To Vikhroli: 9 km
"The Metro from the airport to Aarey JVLR is peaceful, but the chaos starts once you exit," said Mahak Khushalani, a marketing professional. "There are no taxi or auto stands, and buses are packed. A direct bus towards Bhandup would be a game changer."
Line: Red Line 7
Entry/Exit: Western Express Highway; connected to Metro Line 1
Gundavli Metro station (Red Line 7) to BKC stretch lacks seamless connectivity. PIC/DWEEP BANE
Why a bus is needed
Despite being well-positioned, there is no direct BEST bus from Gundvli to BKC, a key office hub. Only Route 40 passes nearby via Kalanagar but doesn't directly enter BKC. Auto services are inconsistent.
Bus stop below Gundavli Metro station (Red Line 7) highlights last-mile gap. PIC/DWEEP BANE
Key distances
Gundavli to BKC: 15 km
Nearest BEST depot: Agarkar Chowk, Andheri East
Current bus service: Six buses pass through the bus stop located under Gundavli station, known as the Darpan Cinema stop. Of these six routes, only one - bus number 40 - passes via Bandra. Route 40 runs between Dindoshi and Sewri and goes through the Bandra Kalanagar junction.
"I skip the train rush and take a bus to Kalanagar, then walk to BKC," said Yash Khanvilkar, a regular commuter. "A direct shuttle from Gundavli to BKC would save time and energy." "There's clearly demand," added Manoj Sharma, another commuter. "Many take cabs or autos because the public transport options aren't seamless."
Line: Blue Line Metro 1
Entry/Exit: Saki Vihar Road
Commuters struggle with last-mile link from Sakinaka to BKC at Sakinaka Metro station (Metro 1). PIC/DWEEP BANE
Key distances
Sakinaka to Powai: Approximately 3-4 km depending on the location
Why a bus is needed
The corridor between Sakinaka and Powai houses numerous residential and commercial hubs. With new housing coming up in Powai, the demand for a direct, high-frequency shuttle is likely to grow significantly.
Current connectivity
Several buses run from Datta Samant Chowk on Saki Vihar Road, about 100 metres from the Sakinaka Metro station, towards Powai. However, these are long-distance buses that only pass by Powai and IIT Bombay.
Why bus is needed
Although there are buses via Powai from Saki Vihar Road, they are long-route services - connecting areas like Andheri to Mulund, Vikhroli's Kannamwar Nagar, Vikhroli Depot, and Sahar Cargo to Anushakti Nagar. These buses are often overcrowded and ply through high-traffic zones.
"I'm not a regular traveller on this route, but when I do take it, BEST buses are always crowded," said Priyanka Amar. "So I end up taking an auto from Sakinaka, which costs Rs 60-70 during peak hours. A direct BEST service between Sakinaka Metro station and Powai would help a lot."
Areas to connect
A shuttle service could benefit areas such as Chandivli, Tunga Village, and the Powai MHADA Colony.
Rohan Kadam, a Powai resident who works in Andheri, said, "I take a bus from Powai to Sakinaka and then a Metro to Andheri West. Buses are always crowded, but I have no choice. A shuttle service between Powai and Sakinaka would be a great help, especially since there are no shared autos available."
Pushpak T, a resident of Andheri East, added, "I travel to Powai using the Metro till Sakinaka and then take an auto to save time. But it's expensive. A regular bus service between Sakinaka and Powai would save both time and money. The current buses are too slow due to traffic and long routes."
