Mumbai’s iconic bus Route Number 1 is set to make a grand return in a modern avatar starting July 15. Renamed as Route A-1, the service will now operate as a daily air-conditioned bus connecting Electric House in Colaba to Bandra Reclamation.
As reported by The Free Press Journal on Sunday, the popular route is being reinstated following growing demand from regular commuters.
"This move comes after persistent demands from commuters who were affected by the discontinuation of the original Route Number 1 during a previous route rationalisation effort," said a BEST official.
Under the new schedule, bus services from Electric House will depart at 9:35 am, 10:05 am, and 10:35 am, with evening services at 5:15 pm, 5:45 pm, and 6:15 pm daily. From Bandra Reclamation, bus services will depart at 8:00 am, 8:30 am, and 9:00 am in the morning, and at 3:40 pm, 4:10 pm, and 4:40 pm during the evening rush daily.
The reinstatement of Route A-1 aims to offer commuters a more comfortable and reliable travel option between South Mumbai and the western suburbs. BEST officials hope that the introduction of air-conditioned buses will also encourage greater use of public transport, helping to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
The original Route 1 was deeply valued by Mumbai’s daily commuters and holds significant historical importance. It traces its roots back to the British era, initially operating as Route A during tramway times, before being redesignated as Route 1. It was famed for connecting Colaba to Mahim, eventually extending to Bandra Reclamation, and for introducing Mumbai’s first double-decker buses.
Despite the city-wide disruptions during the COVID-19 lockdown, Route 1 remained operational from Colaba Depot using double-decker buses, assisting essential workers in their daily travel when trains were off-limits. This legacy underlines the route’s importance in Mumbai’s public transport network.
Commuters had strongly opposed the original route’s discontinuation, arguing that alternative services like Route 51 did not adequately meet their needs. The overwhelming public response was a key factor in BEST’s decision to reinstate the service.
"The relaunch of Route A-1 as an AC bus service marks a step toward modernizing Mumbai’s transport system while preserving a cherished part of the city’s transit heritage. BEST aims to blend tradition with innovation, offering passengers a cleaner, more comfortable commute in a bid to promote sustainable travel ," said an official.
