The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has announced the launch of special bus services to facilitate smooth and convenient travel for devotees visiting the iconic Mahalakshmi Temple during the auspicious Navratri festival. This special initiative has been introduced keeping in mind the massive footfall expected at the temple complex and surrounding areas, as lakhs of devotees arrive from different parts of Mumbai and nearby regions to offer prayers to Goddess Mahalakshmi during the nine days of Navratri.
Ensuring Safe and Hassle-Free Travel for Devotees
Navratri, one of the most celebrated festivals in India, attracts huge gatherings at temples across the country, and in Mumbai, the Mahalakshmi Temple is a prominent center of devotion. To manage the surge in visitors, BEST has designed special bus routes that will operate at regular intervals from important junctions of the city. These services aim to reduce traffic congestion, provide affordable commuting options, and encourage the use of public transport during the festival rush.
BEST officials confirmed that these buses will be available from early morning till late night, ensuring devotees have access to safe transport throughout the day. The frequency of the buses will be increased on peak days such as Ashtami and Navami, when footfall is at its highest.
Strategic Routes for Convenience
The special buses will connect key locations across the city, such as Mumbai Central, Dadar, Prabhadevi, Worli, and Byculla, directly to Mahalakshmi Temple. Additional services are planned from suburban areas like Andheri, Bandra, Ghatkopar, and Borivali to assist devotees traveling from the western and central suburbs. These dedicated routes will help reduce dependence on private cars and taxis while offering cost-effective travel options for visitors.
BEST has also tied up with local traffic police to ensure dedicated parking and easy flow of buses near the temple area. This step is expected to ease traffic jams and allow buses to run on time without unnecessary delays.
Accessibility and Digital Integration
In addition to special bus routes, BEST will provide real-time updates on schedules and availability through its official website and mobile app. Passengers can track the location of these special buses and plan their journeys accordingly. The buses will be equipped with digital boards displaying route information so devotees can easily identify services heading toward Mahalakshmi Temple.
To further enhance passenger convenience, BEST is encouraging commuters to adopt its mobile ticketing facility. Through the Chalo App, passengers can book tickets and passes digitally, reducing the need for physical cash transactions during the busy festive season. This move is aligned with Mumbai’s ongoing push toward digital, paperless travel.
Enhancing the Festive Spirit in Mumbai
Navratri in Mumbai is not just a religious celebration but a cultural event that brings communities together through dance, music, and devotion. The Mahalakshmi Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, is one of the most visited temples during this time. With pujas, aarti rituals, and large-scale gatherings planned, devotees will now have a dependable transport option to reach the temple without the stress of traffic and parking difficulties.
A senior BEST spokesperson said, “We are proud to serve citizens during Navratri by providing special bus facilities to Mahalakshmi Temple. Our goal is to make travel safer, smoother, and more accessible for all devotees. By opting for public transport, citizens can avoid traffic congestion, save costs, and contribute toward a cleaner environment.”
Crowd Management and Safety Measures
Given the expected surge in crowds, BEST has coordinated closely with Mumbai Police and civic authorities to ensure safety. Extra personnel will be deployed at bus stops near the Mahalakshmi Temple to guide passengers and maintain order. Additionally, CCTV-monitored buses and enhanced security presence on major routes will guarantee safe travel for women, elderly citizens, and children.
The buses will also feature clean interiors and additional staff to help elderly and differently-abled passengers board easily. With extra emphasis on hygiene and safety, BEST has assured citizens that the special services will adhere to the highest standards of passenger comfort.
Citizens’ Response to the Initiative
The announcement of special Navratri buses has been widely welcomed by Mumbai citizens. Regular devotees of the Mahalakshmi Temple expressed relief that crowd navigation and traveling challenges will be reduced thanks to this initiative. Daily commuters across central and western suburbs see this move as both cost-effective and stress-free, particularly on days when traditional dandiya and garba events continue late into the night.
Strengthening Mumbai’s Public Transport Culture
With this initiative, BEST is reinforcing its role as more than just a transportation provider—it is establishing itself as a key community facilitator during festive occasions. At a time when traffic congestion, rising fuel costs, and pollution remain central challenges for Mumbai, BEST’s attempt to encourage greater use of buses during peak cultural events is a welcome step.
The service also complements Mumbai’s ongoing metro and suburban train networks by offering last-mile connectivity to Mahalakshmi Temple, which remains relatively crowded and difficult to access through private vehicles during festivals.
Looking Ahead
By launching these special bus services during Navratri, BEST has not only addressed the devotional sentiments of Mumbai’s citizens but also set the stage for similar expansions during other major occasions such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, and Christmas. As the city gears up for nine nights of devotion and celebration, this timely decision will ensure devotees focus on their prayers and festivities instead of logistical worries.
BEST has urged all citizens to make full use of the special Navratri buses, avoid private vehicles when possible, and celebrate the festival with joy, convenience, and responsibility.
