• By Aditya Jha
  • Mon, 05 May 2025 07:57 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Mumbai News: The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) is reportedly considering to retionalise 32 bus routes in the upcoming months to enhance connectivity ahead of the launch of the second phase of the Mumbai Metro 3 Line. The authority is also likely to increase the bus ride fares to continue the maintenance works in the city. The authority stated that the latest step will provide significant relief to the residents by cutting the travel time and reducing traffic congestion in several key routes.

The reports suggest that the plan to enhance the connectivity in Mumbai includes augmentation on 13 routes (464 trips), diversion of six routes (264 trips), extension of three routes (78 trips), and curtailment of 10 routes (435 trips), totaling 1,241 trips, reported PTI. The authority clarified that the extension and diversion of the routes will improve the travel experience of the residents of multiple areas.

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The officials further stated that the authority is also planning to deploy 29 additional buses on 17 routes for Phase 2 and 50 buses on 30 routes for Phase 3, adding that the authority currently operates 45 and 84 buses on these routes, respectively.

The BEST officials stated that the rationalisation of the routes is being planned to connect the bus network with metro corridors to cut the travel time and improve the overall travel experience. "The new operations will follow a ring-route pattern, linking metro stations with suburban rail hubs and commercial centres," an official was quoted as saying by PTI.

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Apart from this, the authority has also reportedly proposed to revise the fare structure by suggesting to double the minimum fare for the first 5 km of travel. Apart from this, the authority has also suggested removing the fare cap of Rs 20 (non-AC) and Rs 25 (air-conditioned buses) for journeys beyond 20 km. The authority stated that the revised fare is expected to generate an additional Rs 590 crore in annual ticketing revenue.