As Mumbai gears up for the second phase of the Metro Line 3, the city’s public transport backbone is also preparing for a significant transformation. The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has proposed a sweeping rationalization of 32 bus routes in 2025, aimed at improving last-mile connectivity and reducing commuter wait times.

Route Rationalization in Sync with Metro Expansion

According to internal planning documents reviewed by PTI, BEST’s proposal involves four key adjustments: augmentation of 13 routes (464 trips), diversion of six routes (264 trips), extension of three routes (78 trips), and curtailment of 10 routes (435 trips). Altogether, this amounts to 1,241 revised trips across the city. Officials estimate that the initiative could reduce average passenger wait times by up to 15 minutes, offering a much-needed relief during peak hours.

The strategy is closely aligned with the rollout of Mumbai Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line, which connects Colaba to Aarey via BKC. The second phase, from BKC to Worli Naka, is expected to go live shortly, followed by the final stretch to Cuffe Parade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first leg—from Aarey JVLR to BKC—in October 2024.

To complement Metro access, BEST also plans to add 29 buses across 17 routes during Phase II and 50 more across 30 routes for Phase III. These will follow a ring-route model, linking metro stations with major commercial zones and suburban rail hubs to strengthen multi-modal connectivity.

Financial Recovery & Fare Revisions

BEST’s restructuring is not limited to route adjustments. The transport body has been operating under mounting financial strain. Once a 4,500-strong fleet, it now manages about 2,800 buses that serve over 3 million daily riders. Despite this, revenue from passenger services has dipped below ₹700 crore annually over the past two fiscal years.

In a recent review led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, BEST officials presented a fare revision plan designed to improve financial viability. The proposed revisions include doubling the minimum fare for the first 5 km and eliminating the current fare caps—₹20 for non-AC and ₹25 for AC buses—for trips beyond 20 km. The new fare structure, which has been approved by the Mumbai civic body and the Regional Transport Authority, is expected to generate an additional ₹590 crore in annual revenue.

Implementation awaits final approval once the authority signs off on meeting minutes. Notably, the fare hike may also support expanded services on high-demand routes during rush hours, ensuring that commuters see direct benefits alongside the added costs.

For official updates and route maps, visit the BEST Undertaking website.

With these updates, Mumbai’s transit landscape is set for a significant shift—one that could improve travel times, support the Metro’s growing footprint, and address the city’s long-standing public transport gaps. While some changes may come with added costs, the overall impact points toward a more integrated and efficient urban commute.