As the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) marks its 150th anniversary, Mumbai prepares for a grand celebration honouring its iconic transport service. The journey started with horse-drawn tramways on May 9th, 1874, linking Coloba-Paydhnoie, Bori Bunder, and Pydhonie, with the last tram riding through Mumbai on March 31, 1964, from Bori Bunder to Khodadad tram terminus (now Dadar T.T.).
From its humble origins as the Bombay Tramway Company Limited in 1873, BEST has become an indispensable part of the city’s identity, providing crucial connectivity for millions.
From historic horse-drawn trams to farewell journey
BEST’s journey began with the humble horse-drawn tramways on May 9, 1874, connecting routes from Coloba-Paydhnoie to Bori Bunder to Pydhonie. Over the years, BEST evolved, transitioning to electric trams in 1907 and later introducing motorised buses in 1926. The iconic double-decker trams, introduced in 1920, became synonymous with Mumbai’s streetscape, running on 47 kilometers of track at their peak.
The final tram journeyed through Mumbai’s streets on March 31, 1964, between Bori Bunder and Khodadad tram terminus (now Dadar T.T.). Departing from Bori Bunder at 10 PM, a large crowd gathered to bid farewell, filling the tram to its maximum capacity.
BEST Transport Service completes 150 years ( Started on 9th May 1874 ) #Sesquicentennial #Anniversary . #Mumbai #lifeline #best . Exhibition showcasing BEST Tram Era till date at BEST Museum,Anik Depot from 9th to 11th May 2024 between 10.00 to 17.00 hrs. pic.twitter.com/IF3rsC5X9L
— BEST Bus Transport (@myBESTBus) May 8, 2024
To commemorate this significant milestone, a special exhibition at the BEST Museum in Sion promises to take visitors on a nostalgic journey through 150 years of BEST’s legacy. From miniature displays depicting its humble beginnings to showcasing technological advancements, the exhibition aims to encapsulate the spirit of BEST’s evolution.
The inauguration ceremony, set to take place on May 9, will be graced by esteemed guests including Bilal Shaikh, Assistant General Manager of Electric Supply, and Ramesh Madavi, Deputy Chief Manager of Traffic, Planning, and Administration. Their presence underscores the importance of this milestone and pays tribute to the countless individuals who have contributed to BEST’s success over the years.
Mumbaikars from all walks of life are invited to join the festivities and reflect on the profound impact of BEST on the city’s growth and development. The exhibition, running from May 9 to May 11 is free of cost, promises to be a celebration of Mumbai’s enduring lifeline, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking.
