Mumbai: BEST to Add, Cut, and Reroute Buses for Metro Line 3 last-mile connectivity

Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has proposed changes to 32 bus routes in Mumbai by 2025. This is to improve last-mile connectivity for the second and third phases of Mumbai Metro Line 3. 

The move includes adding, cutting, and diverting several bus routes. A total of 1,241 bus journeys will be modified. The new change will bring these changes:

- 13 routes will get 464 more trips. 

- 3 routes will be extended with 78 more trips.

- 6 routes will be diverted, adding 264 trips. 

- 10 routes will be reduced by 435 trips. 

- These changes are expected to reduce waiting time by 15 minutes for passengers.

The route plan was shared by BEST in a recent meeting. The meeting was held to review preparations for the full launch of Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line. 

Phase one from Aarey JVLR to BKC was opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2024. The second phase will connect BKC to Worli Naka and is expected to open soon. The last section up to Cuffe Parade will be ready in the coming months.

To support the upcoming phases, BEST will add 50 buses on 30 routes for Phase III. For Phase II, 29 more buses will be added on 17 routes. Currently, BEST runs 45 buses for Phase III routes and 84 for Phase II.

Officials said the plan is meant to connect metro stations with railway hubs and business areas. The new routes will use a ring-road design. More buses will run during peak hours on busy routes. The aim is to fix gaps in the transport network and make buses work better with the metro.

BEST is facing a serious financial crisis. The bus fleet has dropped to 2,800 from 4,500 in ten years. To increase revenue, BEST has also proposed fare changes. The Regional Transport Authority and Mumbai’s civic body have given initial approval. The new fares will start once the meeting records are signed.

The fare cap of INR 20 for non-AC and INR 25 for AC on long routes will be removed. The minimum fare for trips up to 5 km will be doubled. Officials said this could bring in INR 590 crore more every year through ticket sales.