Mumbai: BEST plans ‘metro circuit’ bus services after Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis’ revenue push

Santacruz Metro Aqua Line 3 station exit on Western Express Highway. Pic/Ashish Raje

After Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed the BEST administration to generate its own revenue, the undertaking is now exploring the feasibility of launching "Metro circuit" bus services, connecting Metro stations with residential and office areas.

BEST, which has been running at a loss for years, currently relies heavily on financial aid from the BMC. This year, the civic body allocated R1000 crore to keep the undertaking afloat. Following Fadnavis' push last week, the BMC also cleared a fare hike proposal for BEST. Now, the administration plans to restructure its bus routes, focusing on Metro rail connectivity as a key component of its revenue-generation strategy.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. File pic/PTI

A BEST spokesperson confirmed the development. "New routes will be decided based on current needs and demand. A study is being conducted to finalise the circuit routes," the official said.

However, the undertaking faces a severe fleet shortage. Over 400 buses from BEST's current fleet will retire by November 2025. "We are confident we will receive a new fleet of 2100 wet-lease buses by April 2026. Until then, the Metro circuit services will run with the available fleet," the spokesperson added.

Bandra Colony Metro 3 station at Teachers' Colony. Pic/Ashish Raje

Officials explained that BEST currently connects railway stations to residential and commercial areas. With three Metro corridors fully operational and one partially running, there's now an urgent need to extend last-mile connectivity to Metro stations. "This will not only boost ridership for BEST but also increase footfall on Metro lines," the official added.

As of now, 43 Metro stations across three lines are operational:
Metro 1 (Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar) has been running since 2014
Metro 2A (Gundavali-Andheri West via Dahisar) is fully operational
Metro 3 (JVLR to BKC), the underground line, is partially open
Once all Metro services are launched, 48 new stations will open across Mumbai.

43
No. of Metro stations operational currently

2100
No. of wet-lease buses BEST will receive by April 2026

mid-day suggests...

A survey by mid-day identified key metro stations that need last-mile connectivity via BEST:

. JVLR Metro station (Metro 3) to Andheri railway station via MIDC
. Gundavli Junction (Metro 2A) to BKC
. BKC Metro station (Metro 3) to BKC Trade Centre
. Shimpoli Metro station (Metro 2A) to Gorai, Valnai
. Malad (Mith Chowky) Metro station (Metro 2A) to Charkop Village
. Bhandup Metro station (Metro 4) to Tembipada, Bhandup
. Chembur Metro station (Metro 2B) to Tata Colony
. Kurla Metro station (Metro 2B) to Shiv Shruti, Chunabhatti
. Mulund Metro station (Metro 4) to Mulund East MHADA Colony
. Santacruz (Metro 3) to Kalina
. Sakinaka (Metro 1) to Powai