Mumbai is practically vibrating with excitement as the Mahalakshmi Yatra collides with the nine-day burst of Navratri. Streets near South Mumbai’s temple are awash in colour: flickering fairy lights, fresh rangolis sprawling across pavements, and the constant hum of chants and conversations weaving together like a festival symphony. To keep pace with the surge of devotees, BEST is unleashing 25 extra buses daily from September 22 to October 1, aiming to keep pilgrims moving smoothly through the city’s busiest festival lanes.
BEST Deploys 25 Extra Buses Daily For Mahalakshmi Yatra Mumbai 2025
The festive crowds peak at different hours, and BEST isn’t just stacking buses; it’s rethinking routes too. Devotees can hop on special services from suburban neighbourhoods or catch buses from key railway hubs like Byculla and Mahalaxmi stations.
According to The Indian Express, among the routes getting a boost:
- Byculla Station (W) to Breach Candy Hospital
- Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk (Saat Rasta) to Breach Candy Hospital
- Colaba Bus Station to Santacruz Depot
- Mumbai Central Depot to Electric House
For smooth last-mile connectivity, dedicated buses will also depart from Mumbai Central and Shivajinagar depots straight to the temple.
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All You Need To Know
The suburban trains will carry the bulk of visitors, so traffic officers and depot inspectors are being deployed along critical routes to prevent congestion and manage crowd surges. During peak hours, high-frequency buses will shuttle between Prabhodhankar Thackeray Udyan (Shivdi) and the temple, threading through Lalbaug, Chinchpokli, Saat Rasta, and Mahalaxmi station, making sure nobody gets stranded mid-journey.
“Every year, the Mahalakshmi Yatra attracts massive crowds. This year, BEST is leaving no stone unturned with 25 extra buses daily to ensure smooth travel. We urge devotees to make full use of these services for a safe and stress-free journey,” said Dattatray Dagade, Deputy Public Relations Officer, BEST.
These buses are more than just extra rides; they’re lifelines. During peak hours, high-frequency buses will crisscross from Prabhodhankar Thackeray Udyan (Shivdi) to the temple, threading through Lalbaug, Chinchpokli, Saat Rasta, and Mahalaxmi station, as stated by The Indian Express. Officers and inspectors will be stationed along busy stretches, keeping a careful eye on crowds, ready to untangle any gridlock before it spirals.
For devotees, this means freedom: freedom to focus on the rituals, the music, and the electric energy of Navratri rather than fret over the last mile. A little planning, checking schedules, and leaving early will go a long way, especially for those coming in from outside the city.
Cover Image Courtesy: dineshgada/YouTube
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