New Midi Buses to Improve Public Transport in Hilly Areas of Bhandup

Mumbai, August 7: Public transport connectivity in the elevated and hilly areas of Bhandup is set to improve, following the sustained efforts of Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Rajol Sanjay Patil. Newly inducted air-conditioned electric midi buses in the BEST fleet are expected to serve areas with narrow roads, steep slopes and sharp turns.

Residents of Gadav Naka, Sai Vihar, Sai Hill, Nagardas Nagar, Shivajinagar, Sambhaji Chowk, Vaibhav Chowk, Tembhipada and Ganesh Nagar are likely to benefit from the proposed service.

Several parts of Bhandup are located on hills where narrow roads and difficult gradients make it challenging for large buses to operate. Limited turning space also causes traffic congestion, while residents in some areas have been deprived of regular bus services close to their homes.

Patil had repeatedly approached the BEST administration through letters, representations and direct follow-up, demanding smaller midi buses for these difficult-to-access areas. Her efforts have now paved the way for the introduction of new electric midi buses, creating favourable conditions for extending services to Bhandup’s hilly pockets.

Patil has also submitted a representation seeking BEST bus services from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus to Bhandup, Vikhroli, Mulund, Ghatkopar and other parts of Mumbai to improve last-mile connectivity between railway stations and residential areas.

As part of its plan to modernise and expand public transport, BEST is planning to induct 1,500 electric midi buses on a rental basis at an estimated cost of around ₹7,000 crore. The buses are expected to be introduced in phases, with 250 buses likely to arrive in the first phase.

The new buses will feature low-floor designs for easier access by senior citizens, women, persons with disabilities and wheelchair users. They will also be equipped with lithium iron phosphate batteries, full air suspension, fast DC charging, 360-degree CCTV surveillance, an Intelligent Transport Management System and a fire detection and suppression system.

The proposed midi bus service is expected to provide safer, more comfortable and accessible public transport to residents of Bhandup’s hilly and narrow-road areas.