BEST adds 17 e-buses to Mumbai fleet; launches new Coastal Road route

Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has rolled out 17 new electric buses to ease travel. Additionally, a brand-new AC route, A-84, connecting Oshiwara in the western suburbs to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk (Museum) in South Mumbai via the city’s newly opened Coastal Road has been launched.

The service, flagged off this weekend, is expected to significantly cut travel time while offering a comfortable, eco-friendly ride.

The route will cover key stops including Churchgate, Worli, Mahim, Santacruz, and Andheri, with buses running every 40–45 minutes, seven days a week. Timings are set between 7:15 AM and 5:20 PM from Oshiwara, and 8:50 AM to 7:15 PM from the Museum. Fares range from ₹12 to ₹50, making it a pocket-friendly option for daily commuters.

The new PMI-manufactured electric buses come with passenger-friendly features such as mobile and laptop charging points, wider seating space, and a public address system. With this addition, BEST’s fleet strength has risen to 2,711, including over 1,000 electric buses.

Officials say the launch not only expands BEST’s green fleet but also opens up the scenic Coastal Road to regular commuters, who until now depended mainly on private cars and taxis. Equipped with modern amenities like charging points and a public address system, the new electric buses mark a crucial step in BEST’s broader fleet electrification programme.

For Mumbaikars, this means not just faster and more comfortable travel, but also a cleaner, more sustainable way to commute while easing congestion on city roads.