The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) has discontinued its air-conditioned bus service on Route A 188, which connected Borivali Station East to the Kanheri Caves an order from the Bombay High Court to protect wildlife and preserve the fragile ecosystem of Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
According to an official statement issued by BEST on X, public transport services within the national park have been banned based on instructions from the Deputy Director South of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali East, in accordance with the court’s orders. The move aims to reduce human disturbance in ecologically sensitive forest zones that serve as habitats for diverse wildlife species.
The air-conditioned Route A 188 service was officially suspended for public use starting Friday, January 16, 2026. Previously, the route provided a crucial link for tourists and visitors traveling from Borivali railway station to the Kanheri Caves, a prominent heritage and eco-tourism site within the park.
BEST officials noted that the decision aligns with environmental protection norms and legal requirements. Limiting vehicular movement in forested areas is necessary to reduce pollution, minimize noise disturbances, and safeguard wildlife movement corridors.
While the discontinuation is expected to affect tourists, trekkers, and regular visitors who relied on the service, officials emphasised that alternative arrangements permitted under park regulations will need to be used. BEST reiterated its commitment to balancing commuter convenience with environmental responsibility, adding that any future resumption of transport services will depend on directions from the court and forest authorities.
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