The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking is preparing for a surge in commuters during Bandra Fair 2026, with 236 additional bus services scheduled between September 13 and 20 to accommodate devotees and visitors travelling to the annual celebration.
The week-long arrangements coincide with the feast at Mount Mary Church and events near the adjoining Father Agnel Ashram. With large crowds expected in Bandra West, BEST has modified its services to manage increased pedestrian and vehicular movement around the church.
Extra Buses to Operate Between Bandra Station and Hill Road
A large number of visitors are expected to arrive at Bandra West railway station before heading towards the festival area. To avoid congestion around Mount Mary Church, BEST’s additional buses will not operate directly to the church during the fair.
Instead, special services will run between Bandra Railway Station (West) and Hill Road Garden, from where visitors will have to cover the remaining distance on foot.
According to a press note issued by BEST Public Relations Officer Sunil Vaidya on September 11, the additional services have been arranged to meet the expected rise in passenger demand during the celebration.
Traffic and Passenger Assistance
BEST will deploy bus inspectors and traffic personnel at Bandra West station and other key locations throughout the festival. Their responsibilities will include regulating bus operations, helping passengers and managing traffic-related issues as visitor numbers increase.
The transport undertaking has advised devotees and other visitors to make use of the additional services while travelling to and from the Bandra Fair.
Peak Deployment on September 13 and 19
BEST will operate its largest daily addition on September 13 and September 19, with 20 extra bus services on each day. Ten additional buses will operate in the morning and another 10 in the evening across five routes.
The services include:
- A-202: Two buses each way between Mahim Bus Station and Gorai Depot.
- 321 Ltd: Two buses each way between Mahim Bus Station and Barve Nagar.
- A-375: Two buses each way between Bandra West Bus Station and Shivaji Nagar Depot.
- A-422: Two buses each way between Bandra West Bus Station and Vikhroli Depot.
- A-C 71: Two buses each way between Dharavi Depot and Mira Road Station (East).
Morning services will operate from 8 am to 4 pm, while evening services will run from 3 pm to midnight.
Six Morning and Six Evening Buses on Select Days
On September 14, 15 and 17, BEST will provide 12 additional services each day, comprising six extra buses during the morning and six in the evening across four routes.
These include A-202, 321 Ltd, A-375 and A-C 71, connecting Mahim, Gorai, Bandra, Shivaji Nagar, Dharavi and Mira Road.
Morning services on these dates will operate from 8 am to 4 pm, while evening services will run from 2 pm to 11 pm.
With additional buses, traffic personnel and altered stopping arrangements, BEST’s festival plan is aimed at making travel smoother while limiting congestion around one of Bandra’s busiest annual gatherings.
Source: Mumbai Live
