Mumbai to Operate Extra Buses for Chhath Puja Celebrations on November 15 and 16
Mumbais BEST will run additional buses to popular spots for Chhath Puja on November 15 and 16 to accommodate large crowds.
Mumbai, November 14 (Daily Kiran) : As Chhath Puja approaches, Mumbai is preparing for a significant influx of devotees heading to beaches, lakes, and ponds. In response to this anticipated crowd, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has announced a special plan to operate additional buses on November 15 and 16.
Starting Sunday at 2 PM, 15 extra buses will be deployed to key locations such as Juhu Beach, Dadar Chowpatty, Powai, and Gorai Creek. These buses will run on routes 231, 203, 339, A-256, and A-203, connecting areas including Santa Cruz, Andheri, Malvani, Borivali, and Juhu.
On Monday morning, between 6 AM and 7:30 AM, an additional 6-7 buses will operate on routes A-203, 231, and 203 to transport devotees back from Juhu Beach and Juhu Bus Station.
Depot managers have been instructed to position their officials and inspectors near beaches, Chowpattys, ponds, and lakes in areas such as Backbay, Worli, Santa Cruz, Oshiwara, Malvani, Gorai, Dindoshi, Vikroli, and Mulund. Buses running through routes passing by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park, Juhu Beach, and Juhu Bus Station will operate at full capacity.
Security personnel will be stationed at Juhu Beach from Sunday afternoon until Monday morning, including one security officer, one constable, and two guards. Additionally, a breakdown van will be on standby starting Sunday at 3 PM. Inspectors will also be deployed at Juhu Beach, Juhu Bus Station, and Santa Cruz West Station to manage the expected crowds.
BEST officials have indicated that more buses may be added if passenger demand increases. Depot managers are required to submit feedback on bus operations, trips, earnings, passenger counts, and route performance to the planning department by November 20.
