The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking has announced extensive transport arrangements for the annual Mount Mary Fair in Bandra, scheduled to begin on Sunday, September 14, and continue until Sunday, September 21.
The week-long fair, popularly known as the Mount Mary Fair or Bandra Fair, attracts thousands of devotees and visitors from across the city and beyond. Many pilgrims travel to Bandra by suburban trains and then depend on BEST buses to reach Hill Road, which serves as the gateway to the church and the fairground. To cater to the anticipated surge in demand, BEST will operate 374 additional bus services between Bandra Station (West) and Hill Road throughout the week.
In addition to these special services, extra buses will be deployed on several existing routes, including 321-Mary, A-202, A-375, A-422, A-473, C-71, and C-505. These routes are expected to see heavy passenger traffic during the festival period.
Due to traffic restrictions and the sheer volume of pilgrims, BEST buses will not operate directly up to Mount Mary Church or the adjoining Father Agnel Ashram. Instead, all additional services will terminate at Hill Road Park, from where visitors can proceed to the church on foot. The arrangement is designed to ease congestion and ensure smoother traffic management in the narrow lanes leading to the shrine.
To further streamline the flow of passengers and prevent overcrowding, BEST has deployed bus inspectors and traffic officers at key locations, particularly Bandra Station (West) and Hill Road. These officials will guide commuters, manage queues, and provide assistance throughout the duration of the fair.
The Mount Mary Fair is among Mumbai’s most prominent religious and cultural events, drawing not just Catholic devotees but people of all faiths who come to seek blessings and enjoy the festivities. Recognising its significance, BEST has appealed to the public to make full use of the additional bus services provided during the week.
By enhancing connectivity and ensuring better crowd management, the undertaking aims to provide safe, reliable, and convenient transport options for the thousands expected to participate in this year’s celebrations.
