The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking will operate 136 additional buses across Mumbai and its suburbs on August 28 to manage the expected increase in passenger traffic on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
The extra buses will be introduced on various routes from 10:30 am and will operate throughout the day, offering commuters additional public transport options as families travel across the city to celebrate the festival.
The services will be operated from various depots and will connect several key destinations across Mumbai and neighbouring areas. Major corridors covered include Colaba–Worli, Sion–Mulund, Dadar–Parel, Mumbai Central–Chembur, Kurla–Vashi, Santacruz–Nerul, Andheri–Borivali, Goregaon–Mulund, Ghatkopar–Borivali, Vikhroli–Bandra, Mulund–Mira Road, Majas–Thane and Malvani–Santacruz. Services will also connect areas such as Juhu, Powai, Thane, Airoli, CBD Belapur, Kalamboli, Nerul, Kharghar, Mira Road and Bhayander.
Among the depots, Gorai will operate 10 additional buses, while Wadala, Worli, Santacruz, Ghatkopar, Mulund, Kurla, Majas and Oshiwara will operate eight each. BEST has planned additional services from a total of 26 depots to cater to festival-related travel across the city and suburbs.
According to BEST, the additional services will be deployed on routes likely to witness heavier passenger movement during Raksha Bandhan. The undertaking will keep a close watch on passenger demand and may increase the number of buses if required.
BEST has indicated that more buses could be pressed into service if passenger rush rises beyond expectations.
The additional fleet is expected to benefit commuters travelling to residential neighbourhoods, markets and other busy destinations across Mumbai and the suburbs.
BEST will also deploy bus inspectors, transport officials and security personnel at selected bus stops to manage the increased movement of passengers.
Officials will assist with regulating bus operations, guiding commuters and controlling crowds at locations expected to experience heavy footfall.
Raksha Bandhan is expected to lead to increased travel across Mumbai as people visit siblings, relatives and family members. With a large number of commuters expected to use public transport, BEST has planned additional services to provide greater capacity on busy routes.
The undertaking frequently increases bus operations during festivals and other occasions that typically see a surge in passenger numbers. Such measures are intended to ease pressure on regular services and improve connectivity during peak demand.
BEST has urged passengers travelling across Mumbai and its suburbs on Raksha Bandhan to make use of the additional bus services and plan their journeys in advance.
Commuters travelling during peak hours are advised to allow extra time for their journeys, particularly on routes and at bus stops where higher passenger volumes are expected.