Mumbai: In a major overhaul aimed at enhancing the efficiency and integration of Mumbai’s public transport, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking has announced a series of significant changes to its 30 bus routes, effective Sunday, June 1, 2025.
The revamp includes the introduction of new air-conditioned (AC) routes, rerouting of existing services, renumbering, and changes in operational schedules.
"The move is part of a wider route rationalisation strategy aimed at aligning the bus network with operational metro corridors, improving feeder connectivity, and addressing long-standing passenger feedback" said an official. The changes come at a critical time, with BEST—Mumbai’s second-largest public transport operator—grappling with financial stress and operational challenges.
The rationalisation comes shortly after BEST implemented a fare hike to improve its fare-box revenue. Currently, BEST operates nearly 2,700 buses, serving an average of 30 lakh passengers daily.
According to sources, the ring-route model being adopted by BEST aims to effectively link metro stations with major railway stations and commercial hubs during peak hours
The changes include bus route 8, which operates between Mantralaya and Shivaji Nagar, being upgraded to an air-conditioned service and re-designated as A-8. The air-conditioned bus route AC-10, which currently runs between Backbay Bus Depot and Rani Lakshmibai Chowk, will see a significant change; its existing route via Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk, Reserve Bank, and P. D'Mello Road to Dockyard Railway Station will be cancelled. Instead, it will be rerouted from Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk via Hutatma Chowk, Mahatma Phule Mandai, Bhendi Bazar.
Additionally, bus route number 11 Ltd, currently operating between Navy Nagar and Bandra Colony Bus Station (East), will be rerouted via Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road between Byculla Station (East) and Parel, through the Lalbaug Flyover, resulting in the cancellation of stops at Jijamata Udyan (Rani Baug), Jaihind Cinema, and Lalbaug. Bus route 25, currently operating between Prabodhanakar Thackeray Udyan and Vihar Sarovar, will be renumbered as route 29.
Furthermore, the air-conditioned bus route A-25, which operates from Backbay Bus Depot to Kurla Depot, will terminate at Rani Laxmibai Chowk starting June 1. Bus route number 44, running between Kala Chowki and Worli Depot, will be upgraded to an air-conditioned service and re-designated as route A-44.
Similarly, bus route number 56, operating between Worli Depot and Yari Road, will have air-conditioned buses only on Sundays under the new route number A-56, while regular buses will continue from Monday to Saturday. The bus route C-71, currently connecting Mahim and Mira Road East, will be extended to Kalakilla Bus Depot via Senapati Bapat Marg, Raheja Hospital, and Banwari Compound.
In addition, bus route number 79, which currently runs from Santacruz Depot to Gorai Depot, will terminate at Charkop starting from June 1. The services of bus route A-89, which runs from Mantralaya, will be available from Monday to Saturday from June 1.
Bus route number 124, which currently runs from Colaba Bus Station to Worli Depot on weekdays and from Colaba Depot to Worli Depot on Sundays, will now operate from Colaba Bus Station to Worli Depot throughout the week.
Bus route number 125, operating between Navy Nagar and Worli Depot, will be converted to an air-conditioned service and re-designated as A-125 from June 1, running via Mohammed Ali Road in both directions.
Moreover, bus route number 181 will be extended to operate between Antop Hill and Marol Depot beginning June 1. Bus route number 212, currently running between Sewri and Bandra Reclamation Bus Station, will be rerouted via Wadia Hospital, Bhoiwada, Spring Mill, and Sharda Cinema. Route number 241, operating between Mahim Bus Station and Malwani Depot, will be converted into an air-conditioned service with a new route number A-241.
A new circular air-conditioned bus route, A-175, will be introduced, connecting Pratikshanagar Depot to Prabodhankar Thackeray Udyan (Portuguese Chowk, Dadar) via Antop Hill, Vadala Church, and Khodadad Circle. Another new air-conditioned bus route, A-490, will operate between Mantralaya and Balkum Thane (East), connecting key locations via the Eastern Express Highway.
Additionally, changes will be made to the operational schedules of several other routes including 243, 343, 344, 347, 357, 399, 442, 456, 459, 488, 602, and 626, with some of these being converted to air-conditioned services.
Officials urged passengers to check updated schedules and route maps on the BEST official website and mobile app before the changes roll out on June 1.
While BEST officials assert that the changes aim to increase passenger convenience and better integrate with metro and suburban networks, some commuters are unhappy—particularly due to the altered AC10 route.
“By changing A10, BEST has ended port connectivity from the north side. Now only one route—A26—remains, and it goes via the Eastern Freeway with limited stops. For those trying to reach Wadi Bunder, Carnac Bunder, and the Dockyard-GPO corridor, there’s no direct bus anymore,” said a frequent commuter.
Air-Conditioned Upgrades:
Several existing routes will transition to AC services. For example, route 8 (Mantralaya to Shivaji Nagar) becomes A8, and route 44 (Kala Chowki to Worli Depot) is rebranded as A-44. Similarly, route 125 will become A-125 and rerouted via Mohammed Ali Road, and route 241 is now A-241.
New AC Routes Introduced:
A175: A new circular AC route connecting Pratiksha Nagar Depot to Prabodhankar Thackeray Udyan (Portuguese Church, Dadar) via Antop Hill and Khodadad Circle.
A490: A long-distance AC service between Mantralaya and Balkum, Thane (East), via Eastern Express Highway.
Route Modifications:
AC10 will no longer connect the Dockyard area, now rerouted via Hutatma Chowk, Bhendi Bazar, and Maharana Pratap Chowk.
Route 11 Ltd. (Navy Nagar to Bandra Colony East) will avoid stops at Jijamata Udyan, Jaihind Cinema, and Lalbaug due to a new flyover diversion.
Route 212 (Sewri to Bandra Reclamation) rerouted via Wadia Hospital and Spring Mill.
Route 181 extended and it will run between Antop Hill and Marol Depot form June 1st.
Route 56 will feature AC buses only on Sundays under the new number A-56.
Change in Terminating Point and Renumbering
Route 25 will be renumbered as Route 29.
AC Route A25 will now terminate at Rani Laxmibai Chowk instead of Kurla Depot.
Route 79, which is currently running up to Gorai Depot, will terminate at Charkop from June 1st.
Route 124 will operate between Colaba Bus Station and Worli Depot throughout the week.
Route A89 will run from Monday to Saturday . Currently this service is available only on Sunday.
