Attention Commuters! BEST To Rationalise 32 Bus Routes In 2025 To Boost Metro Line 3 Connectivity, Proposes Fare Hike; Check Details

In a move aimed at strengthening last-mile connectivity for the upcoming second and third phases of Mumbai Metro Line 3, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has proposed a rationalisation of 32 bus routes in 2025.

According to sources, the plan includes augmenting services on 13 routes with 464 additional trips, diverting six routes (264 trips), extending three routes (78 trips), and curtailing 10 routes (435 trips), bringing the total to 1,241 modified bus trips. The initiative is expected to reduce average passenger wait times by up to 15 minutes.

Last month, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reviewed the financial condition of BEST, which currently operates a fleet of around 2,800 buses—down from 4,500 a decade ago—and serves over 30 lakh passengers daily in Mumbai and surrounding areas.

During the review meeting, BEST presented its route rationalisation strategy in anticipation of the full rollout of Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Colaba-BKC-Aarey), also known as the Aqua Line. The second phase of the underground corridor, between BKC and Worli Naka, is slated for launch soon, while the final phase up to Cuffe Parade is expected in the coming months. The first phase, from Aarey JVLR to BKC, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2024.

Apart from rationalising routes, BEST plans to deploy 29 additional buses on 17 routes for Phase II and 50 buses on 30 routes for Phase III. Currently, the transport body operates 45 and 84 buses, respectively, on these routes.

According to BEST officials, the rationalisation aims to integrate the city’s bus network with the operational metro corridors, enhance feeder services, and address connectivity gaps. Additional buses will also be deployed on high-demand routes during peak hours. The new operations will follow a ring-route pattern, linking metro stations with suburban rail hubs and commercial centres.

Despite being Mumbai’s second-largest public transport system after the suburban railway network—which serves over 75 lakh daily commuters—BEST has been facing its worst financial crisis in years. Passenger service revenue has fallen below ₹700 crore in each of the last two fiscal years.

To improve its financial health, BEST has also proposed a fare revision, which has received preliminary approval from the Mumbai civic body and the Regional Transport Authority. Once the minutes of the authority’s meeting are signed, the revised fares will be implemented.

The proposed changes include doubling the minimum fare for the initial 5 km and removing the existing fare cap of ₹20 (non-AC) and ₹25 (AC) for journeys beyond 20 km. Officials estimate the revised fare structure could generate an additional ₹590 crore in annual ticketing revenue.