BEST Resumes Bus Services From CSMT After Four-Day Suspension Due To Maratha Quota Stir

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking resumed bus services from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on Tuesday, ending a four-day suspension caused by the Maratha quota agitation.

Protest Blockades Brought South Mumbai To A Halt

The return of buses offered relief to office-goers who, for several days, had been forced to walk to work in Nariman Point, Backbay, and Colaba. Major junctions near CSMT had been blocked by protesters, paralyzing movement in South Mumbai.

The agitation, led by activist Manoj Jarange, had drawn thousands of Maratha demonstrators to the city, forcing BEST to suspend services in the affected areas. An official confirmed that buses are once again operating from Bhatia Baug outside CSMT, with routes 138 and 115 back in service. However, services continue to run only partially as some disruptions remain.

Traffic Diversions Continue Near CSMT

Police have kept DN Road, Mahapalika Marg, and Hazarimal Somani Marg closed, leading to diversions for buses through Mahatma Phule Market, LT Marg, and Metro Junction on their way to Hutatma Chowk.

Despite the resumption, several routes are still diverted, curtailed, or suspended due to the ongoing protest at Azad Maidan.

Partial Normalcy As Roads Reopen

According to sources, traffic police have reopened both lanes of DN Road between JJ Flyover and Hutatma Chowk. Even so, a portion of the square outside CSMT remains obstructed by protesters and their vehicles.