The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has announced the return of its iconic Bus Route Number 1. The route, which was discontinued a few weeks ago as part of a route rationalisation effort, will be reinstated within four days, confirmed BEST General Manager SVR Srinivas to The Free Press Journal on Saturday. "It was a pause; [we are] resuming the services of Route Number 1 in four days," Srinivas told FPJ.
The sudden discontinuation of Route Number 1 had sparked outrage among daily commuters, especially those relying on the route for travel between South Mumbai and the western suburbs. While BEST argued that Route Number 51 already covered the area served by Route Number 1 — with Route Number 1 operating from Colaba to Bandra, and Route Number 51 from Colaba to Santacruz — many regular passengers contended that Route Number 51 did not adequately cater to the needs of Route Number 1 users.
Historically, Route 1 is one of the oldest and most iconic bus routes in Mumbai. Believed to have been launched during the British era — initially numbered as Route A during the tram system days — it was later renamed as Route Number 1. It originally connected Colaba to Mahim and was subsequently extended to the Bandra Reclamation Bus Station. The route was widely known not only for its extensive coverage but also for featuring Mumbai’s first double-decker buses.
Despite numerous changes over the years, Route 1 remained a vital artery for daily commuters. Even during the COVID-19 lockdown, when suburban trains were unavailable to the general public, the route continued to operate using double-decker buses from the Colaba depot, serving as a lifeline for essential workers and commuters.
BEST officials said the discontinuation was part of a broader plan to streamline routes and reduce redundancy. Acknowledging the concerns raised by commuters, General Manager SVR Srinivas assured FPJ on Saturday that Route Number 1 will be resumed within four days, restoring a critical piece of Mumbai’s public transport network.
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