Overnight Removal of Bandra West Bus Shelter Triggers Public Outcry in Mumbai
The sudden and unannounced dismantling of the Perry Cross Road bus shelter in Bandra West last month has ignited significant frustration among local residents and daily commuters. The shelter was removed overnight on December 16, 2025, leaving hundreds of passengers, including schoolchildren, college students, senior citizens, and office-goers, stranded without proper waiting facilities for over a month and a half.
Citizen Complaints and Official Inaction
Former Congress corporator Asif Zakaria took up the issue on behalf of affected citizens, sending a detailed two-page complaint letter to the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking on January 22. Despite the formal complaint, there was no response from the transport authority for more than a week, exacerbating the inconvenience faced by the public.
In his letter, Zakaria expressed astonishment at BEST's decision, particularly given the organization's ongoing financial challenges and efforts to attract more commuters. "It was surprising that at a time when BEST was facing financial difficulties and making concerted efforts to attract more commuters, such drastic actions were being taken which inconvenienced regular users," he wrote. He also highlighted the loss of advertising revenue resulting from the shelter's removal.
TOI Intervention Leads to Immediate Action
The situation changed dramatically following intervention from The Times of India. After calls from TOI on Friday morning, BEST officials swiftly installed a bus stop pole at the site by the same afternoon. The pole clearly mentions all the routes that were previously served by the shelter, providing some relief to commuters.
BEST's Explanation and Safety Concerns
When contacted, a senior BEST official explained that the bus shelter was "temporarily removed due to nearby building redevelopment work." The official elaborated that BEST received a letter from the developer last year, alerting them to potential risks. Construction activities and trucks transporting materials could have damaged the bus shelter, posing safety hazards to commuters.
Following a thorough inspection, officials decided to dismantle the shelter temporarily as a precautionary measure. The official assured that a proper bus stop and shelter will be reinstalled once conditions permit. In the interim, commuters were advised to use alternative bus stops located approximately 350 meters away on either side, which serve the same routes.
Local Representatives Voice Concerns
Bandra corporator Karen D'Mello echoed the concerns raised by residents, emphasizing the importance of the bus stop for key routes including:
- Route 51 (Santacruz to Colaba)
- Route 56 (Versova to Worli Village)
- Route 220 (Bandra station to Khar station)
"It is surprising as it results in direct loss of revenue to BEST," D'Mello stated, adding that she plans to raise the issue formally in the BMC House to ensure better coordination in future.
Residents Demand Better Planning
Local residents have alleged that the bus shelter was dismantled without prior notice, due process, or any alternative arrangements. Bandra West resident Lillian Paes pointed out the lack of immediate action, saying, "A bus stop pole should have been installed immediately after the demolition in December so as not to inconvenience commuters."
BEST officials clarified their policy regarding notifications, explaining that notices are typically issued only prior to permanent closure of bus stops, not for temporary removals. However, this explanation has done little to appease frustrated commuters who endured weeks of exposure to the elements while waiting for buses.
The incident highlights broader issues of urban planning and public transport management in Mumbai, where infrastructure projects often disrupt daily life without adequate contingency measures. As the city continues to grow and redevelop, such conflicts between development needs and public convenience are likely to become more frequent unless better communication and planning protocols are established.
