For Ganeshotsav, BEST to run 26 extra buses in Mumbai between August 27 and September 5

BEST will operate the additional buses mainly between 10.30 pm and 6 am to accommodate late-night passenger flow from pandals and immersion points during Ganeshotsav.

By: Express News Service

Updated: August 21, 2025 05:25 PM IST

2 min read

For sea immersions, where rescue operations are often required, 19 high-capacity searchlights will be provided to assist lifeguards.

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has announced a series of arrangements to ensure smooth transport and uninterrupted power during the upcoming Ganeshotsav. BEST will operate 26 additional buses between August 27 and September 5, covering the period between Gauri immersion and Anant Chaturdashi, when the movement of devotees is at its peak.

These buses will mainly operate between 10.30 pm and 6 am to accommodate late-night passenger flow from pandals and immersion points. They will connect areas such as Oshiwara, Dr M Iqbal Chowk near J J Hospital, Jijamata Park, Shivaji Nagar Terminus, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Deonar Depot, Bombay Port Trust Warehouse, Rani Lakshmibai Chowk, Pandit Paluskar Chowk at Opera House, Maharana Pratap Chowk in Mazgaon, Worli Depot, Shravan Yashwante Chowk in Kalachowki, Electric House, Santacruz Depot, Dadar Railway Station, Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk near the Museum, and Prabodhankar Thackeray Udyan at Shivaji Park.

Bus inspectors and traffic officers will be deployed at high-demand stops, with a special focus on locations like Parel, Lalbaug, Girgaon, and Khetwadi.

Following directives from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), BEST’s street lighting department will install 2,723 lights across 71 procession routes, 19 immersion sites, and 39 artificial ponds. At immersion points, 15 permanent electric towers have been erected to strengthen illumination. To maintain supply in case of disruption, BEST will deploy eight diesel generator sets at major visarjan sites.

For sea immersions, where rescue operations are often required, 19 high-capacity searchlights will be provided to assist lifeguards. Officers and staff will be stationed at all immersion sites to monitor and manage the electricity supply.

An information booklet published on Thursday outlines the rules for Ganesh mandals applying for temporary electricity connections, as well as details of the lighting and bus arrangements. It has also been made available on the BEST website.

“Every year, our focus is to provide safe and reliable services during the festival. This year’s plan includes comprehensive lighting, emergency backup, and transport support for citizens,” the public relations officer of BEST said.

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