In view of the annual Mahalaxmi Yatra and the ongoing Navratri 2025, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking will operate additional bus services across Mumbai from September 22 to October 1, 2025. The initiative aims to provide smooth and convenient travel for the thousands of devotees visiting the Mahalaxmi Temple in the city.
Every year, the Mahalaxmi Temple attracts a large influx of pilgrims, especially at Byculla and Mahalaxmi railway stations, who then rely on BEST buses to reach the temple. To manage the increased demand, BEST not only enhances the frequency on existing routes passing through Mahalaxmi Temple but also runs special buses connecting key suburban and city locations.
For this year’s yatra, 25 additional buses will be deployed daily on key routes, including:
A-37: J. Mehta Marg to Kurla Station (W)
57: Walkeshwar to Thackeray Park (Sewri)
A-63 & A-77: Byculla Station (W) to Breach Candy Hospital
A-77 Jada: Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk (Satrasta) to Breach Candy Hospital
83: Colaba Bus Stand to Santa Cruz Agar
151: Wadala Agar to Breach Candy Hospital
A-132: Mumbai Central Agar to Electric House
A-357: Mumbai Central Agar to Shivajinagar Agar
Special: Thackeray Park (Sewri) to Mahalaxmi Temple
During peak hours, special services will operate from Prabodhankar Thackeray Udyan (Sewri) via Lalbaug, Chinchpokli, Satrasta, and Mahalaxmi Railway Station to the temple. To ensure smooth operations, bus inspectors and traffic officers from nearby depots will be deployed temporarily.
The BEST administration has urged devotees to utilize the special bus services to avoid traffic congestion and ensure a safe and comfortable journey to the temple. These measures reflect BEST’s ongoing commitment to supporting large-scale public events while maintaining efficient urban transport services.
With Mumbai witnessing a surge in devotees during the nine-day festival, these additional bus operations are expected to significantly ease travel challenges for pilgrims and regular commuters alike.
Shardiya Navratri is a vibrant and sacred Hindu festival that spans nine nights, celebrating the divine feminine energy embodied by Goddess Durga. Observed in the lunar month of Ashwin, this festival is marked by fervent worship, elaborate rituals, and cultural performances.
Each day is dedicated to a different form of the goddess, symbolising various aspects of strength, compassion, and wisdom. Devotees engage in fasting, singing devotional songs, and participating in traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya, creating a joyful atmosphere.
