The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking has announced the introduction of air-conditioned (AC) bus services on three key routes starting from Thursday. The move aims to enhance passenger comfort and improve public transport facilities across the city.
“To support this initiative, 30 new buses from wet lease operators will be added to the BEST fleet starting Thursday. These buses will gradually be introduced into service after receiving the necessary approvals from statutory authorities” said an official of BEST.
According to BEST, the newly launched AC routes include A-7, formerly known as 7 Ltd., which operates between Vijay Vallabh Chowk and Vikhroli. Another route, A-511, previously called 511 Ltd., connects Ghatkopar and Nerul. Additionally, AC-53, formerly known as Corridor Route C-53, links Ghatkopar and Kalamboli
On the A-7 route, a total of eight buses will be deployed gradually and will run at intervals of 25 to 50 minutes. The first bus from Vijay Vallabh Chowk will depart at 7:20 AM, while the first bus from Vikhroli will leave at 6:00 AM. The last departures are scheduled for 11:30 PM from Vikhroli and 10:00 PM from Vijay Vallabh Chowk.
Similarly, eight buses will also be deployed gradually on the A-511 route, operating at a frequency of 25 to 30 minutes. The first bus will leave Ghatkopar at 4:05 AM and Nerul at 4:45 AM. The last services will depart from Ghatkopar at 4:25 PM and from Nerul at 12:30 midnight.
Route AC-53 (Ghatkopar to Kalamboli) will be supported by 14 buses (which will be put into service gradually), operating at a frequency of 15 to 20 minutes. The first bus will leave Ghatkopar at 6:00 AM and Kalamboli at 7:10 AM. The last buses will depart from Ghatkopar at 10:10 PM and from Kalamboli at 8:30 PM.
A senior BEST official further stated that these enhancements are part of an ongoing effort to modernize Mumbai’s public transportation, making daily commutes more efficient and comfortable for passengers. “With the addition of these new AC routes, BEST aims to encourage more commuters to opt for public transport, reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable urban mobility” he said.
