BEST Bus Network Expands For Mumbai Metro 3: Smooth Rides Ahead On Dharavi–Cuffe Parade Stretch

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking has prepared a detailed last-mile connectivity plan for the upcoming Metro Line 3, especially on the stretch between Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Cuffe Parade, as per a Hindustan Times (HT) report. This new move aims to make commuting smoother and easier for passengers by linking metro stations directly to nearby localities.

The plan is being rolled out in phases. The first phase will begin with the Dharavi to Acharya Atre Chowk route, which is expected to open in the first week of May. This comes after the success of BEST's earlier last-mile efforts for Metro Lines 2A and 7, which were introduced following complaints from passengers who faced trouble reaching their final destinations from metro stations.

What Is Planned?

According to BEST officials, 79 buses will run on 28 different routes, connecting 17 stations of Metro 3 between Dharavi and Cuffe Parade. This proposal was also presented to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis last week as part of a wider plan to revive and strengthen BEST services.

BEST has divided the new plan into two phases:

Phase 1: Dharavi to Acharya Atre Chowk

• 29 buses will run on 10 dedicated routes.
• These will function as ring routes, mainly connecting passengers to nearby metro stations.
• Areas covered in this phase include Dharavi, Mahim, Sion, Dadar, Worli Dairy, Sea Face, Lower Parel, Nehru Science Centre, and others.
• 17 different routes will be accessible from the stations.

Phase 2: South Mumbai Expansion

• 50 buses will cover 18 additional routes, catering to a larger number of areas.
• These include Navy Nagar, Gateway of India, Nariman Point, Colaba, NCPA, Ballard Pier, CSMT, J J Hospital, Walkeshwar, Haji Ali, Mahalaxmi, Tardeo, and many more.
• The buses will run in a ring-route style, helping commuters move smoothly between metro stations, railway stations, residential areas, and business hubs. The routes will mostly cover areas within 1 to 4 kilometres from the nearest metro station.

Google Maps Integration for Easy Travel

To make the system more user-friendly, BEST is also partnering with Google Maps. This will allow commuters to view bus routes, track bus fleets, and check estimated time of arrival, making daily travel easier and more predictable.

Why Last-Mile Connectivity Matters

As per the HT report, transport experts and city planners believe this is a critical step in making the Metro 3 project successful. "Last-mile connectivity is essential. Without it, metro use remains limited," said A V Shenoy from the Mumbai Mobility Forum. "Just like suburban railway stations have BEST stops nearby, metro stations should have easy bus access too."

With infrastructure being put in place and route planning nearly complete, the initiative aims to offer a comfortable, reliable, and affordable transport option for thousands of daily commuters in Mumbai.