Mumbai: A proposal by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) to relocate the bus stop for Churchgate- and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)-bound services from near the Gateway of India to the Museum area faced strong opposition during a committee meeting on Monday. Panel members insisted that the stop remain at its current location to ensure convenience for commuters and tourists. Consequently, the proposal has been put on hold.
Proposal Background
The proposal stated that Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar suggested the change. In a recent letter to BEST, a copy of which is with TOI, Narwekar recommended shifting the bus stop to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalay (Museum near Regal Circle) due to vehicular congestion at the existing bus stop at Gateway of India and following public complaints. “Due to the congestion, there is major inconvenience to tourists, other members of the public and motorists,” he wrote. TOI attempted to reach Narwekar on Monday, but he was unavailable for comment.
Opposition from Panel Members
Several BEST panel members argued that moving the stop away from the Gateway would primarily benefit share taxi operators, who they alleged routinely overcharge passengers, especially tourists. BEST panel member Nitin Nandgaonkar of Sena UBT stated that foreigners and other passengers are often exploited by taxi operators, who charge between Rs 50 and Rs 100 per seat for trips to Churchgate or CSMT. He emphasized that BEST buses are a far better and more affordable option for tourists from across India and should remain accessible directly from the Gateway. “It will help people switch to this option. We oppose shifting the bus stop from there to the Museum,” he said.
Revenue and Operations
A BEST official explained that the issue was congestion at the location, which would be alleviated if the bus stop was shifted elsewhere. Two routes operate from the Gateway of India — A-112 to Churchgate and A-116 to CSMT. According to BEST officials, these services cater to around 1,200 passengers per bus on average daily. From Monday to Saturday, 436 bus trips generate Rs 1.17 lakh in revenue, while on holidays, 598 double-decker trips earn Rs 1.98 lakh.
Another BEST panel member, Sunil Ahir, also opposed the move, alleging that the shift would indirectly promote share taxis. “For just Rs 12, we are giving a facility to tourists,” he said, stressing that affordable public transport should be encouraged over exploitative informal services.
Committee Chairperson's View
BEST committee chairperson Trushna Vishwasrao noted that the bus service was operating at full profit and argued that share taxis should be stopped. She referred the proposal back to the administration for further review.
