Ganeshotsav 2024: Mumbai Metro And BEST Buses To Operate Late Night For Devotees; Find Routes And Timings

As Ganeshotsav approaches, Mumbai's public transport services are gearing up to accommodate the city's festive rush. Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL) and Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) have both announced extended operating hours to serve late-night and early-morning devotees, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Beginning on September 7, MMMOCL will extend the services of Mumbai Metro 2A and 7 lines throughout the 10-day festival. The last metro trains from Andheri West and Gundavali terminals will now run until 11.30 pm, instead of the usual 11 pm, from September 11 to 17.

Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Chairman of MMMOCL and MMRDA Commissioner, emphasised the importance of these extensions in HT. "Ganpati festival is a significant cultural event in Mumbai. It is our responsibility to provide seamless transportation to all devotees and citizens. By extending the metro train services, we are making sure that commuters have an efficient and convenient option to travel late at night during the festive season," he said.

To manage the increased demand, an additional 20 metro trips will be scheduled from Andheri West and Gundavali stations. Services will also be extended between Gundavali and Dahisar East, as well as between Andheri West and Dahisar East stations. Rubal Agarwal, Managing Director of MMMOCL, added, "The additional services will not only reduce congestion but also ensure safe and reliable travel for those returning home after participating in festival activities."

In tandem, BEST will deploy 24 night-special buses from September 7 to 16. These buses will operate from 10.30 pm to 6 am, covering 51 key routes across the city. Routes include numbers 4, A21, A25, A42, 44, 86, and 69.

A BEST official stated in HT, "We will operate new bus services on certain routes to meet the increased passenger demand. The aim is to connect Lalbaug, Parel, Chembur, and Girgaum with various parts of Mumbai."

Additionally, BEST will enhance the festive atmosphere in South Mumbai by illuminating 71 procession routes with 2,591 lamps. The plan also includes lighting up 20 immersion spots and 39 artificial ponds to celebrate Ganeshotsav.

These measures are set to make transportation smoother and more accessible for all those participating in the festivities, ensuring a joyous and well-connected celebration across the city.