Maharashtra: As Ganeshotsav approaches, Mumbai’s public transport services are gearing up to accommodate the city’s rush. Both Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL) and Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) have announced extended operating timings to serve devotees during late night and early morning hours, reports Hindustan Times.
Starting September 7, MMMOCL will extend services of Mumbai Metro 2A and 7 lines during the 10-day festival. The last metro trains from Andheri West and Gundavali terminals will now run till 11.30 pm instead of the usual 11 pm from September 11 to 17. MMMOCL chairman and MMRDA commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee stressed the importance of these extensions to HT. He said, “Ganpati festival is an important cultural event in Mumbai. It is our responsibility to provide seamless transport to all devotees and citizens. By extending metro train services, we are ensuring that commuters have an efficient and convenient option to travel late at night during the festival season.”
To meet the increased demand, 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, said, “The additional services will not only reduce congestion but also ensure safe and reliable travel for those returning home after participating in festival activities.” Along with this, BEST will deploy 24 night-special buses from September 7 to 16. These buses will run from 10.30 pm to 6 am, covering 51 major routes across the city. The routes include A4, A21, A25, A42, 44, 86 and 69. “We will operate new bus services on some routes to meet the growing demand of passengers. The aim is to connect Lalbaug, Parel, Chembur and Girgaon with various parts of Mumbai,” a BEST official told HT.
In addition, BEST will enhance the festive atmosphere in south Mumbai by lighting up 71 procession routes with 2,591 lamps. The plan also includes lighting up 20 immersion sites and 39 artificial ponds to celebrate Ganeshotsav. These measures have been taken to make transportation easier and more accessible for all those participating in the festival, ensuring a joyous and well-connected celebration across the city.
