BEST To Run Additional Night Buses In Mumbai For Ganeshotsav

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking will operate additional buses at night during Ganeshotsav 2026 to cater to the expected rush of devotees and tourists visiting prominent Ganesh pandals across the city.

The additional services will be available from September 14 to September 24, covering the 10-day festival period leading up to Anant Chaturdashi on September 25.

BEST said the move has been planned to meet the increased demand for public transport, particularly during night hours when devotees are expected to visit major public Ganpati mandals.

The additional buses will operate on routes connecting Colaba and north-western parts of Mumbai, passing through key festival hubs including Girgaon, Lalbaug, Parel and Dadar.

The services will be operated on routes E-8, E-21, E-25, E-42, E-44, 51, 64, 66 and 69, according to BEST.

The transport undertaking said regular bus services are generally sufficient during the daytime. However, the number of devotees visiting public Ganpati pandals increases substantially after the immersion of Gauri-Ganpati idols, creating a greater requirement for public transport at night.

Ganeshotsav 2026 has begun in Mumbai, with millions of devotees welcoming Lord Ganesha into homes, housing societies and public pandals across the city.

Several prominent Ganesh mandals have also made arrangements for 24x7 live darshan, allowing devotees unable to visit the pandals in person to seek blessings from home.

With large crowds expected at major Ganpati mandals over the coming days, BEST's additional night services are aimed at providing devotees with greater connectivity while reducing dependence on private vehicles.

The 10-day festival will culminate with the grand immersion processions on September 25, when lakhs of devotees are expected to take part in visarjan celebrations across Mumbai.

This move by BEST is expected to provide relief to commuters and reduce traffic congestion in the city during the festival period.

The additional night bus services will be a welcome move for devotees who plan to visit the prominent Ganesh pandals in the city.

Mumbai is known for its vibrant Ganeshotsav celebrations, and the BEST's decision to operate additional night buses will only add to the festive spirit.

In recent years, the city has seen a significant increase in the number of devotees visiting public Ganpati mandals, and the additional night bus services will help to cater to this demand.

Overall, the decision by BEST to operate additional night buses during Ganeshotsav 2026 is a positive move that will benefit devotees and commuters in the city.

The festival of Ganeshotsav is an important part of Mumbai's cultural heritage, and the BEST's efforts to provide additional transportation services will help to make the celebrations even more enjoyable for the people of the city.