Mumbai, September 14: In a major relief for devotees and visitors heading out to see Ganpati pandals during Ganeshotsav, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has decided to run additional buses at night during Ganeshotsav 2026. These additional bus services will operate from 14 September to 24 September.
BEST’s decision comes in view of the rising night-time crowds at the city’s major Ganesh pandals. During Ganeshotsav, a large number of people step out to visit pandals in the evening and at night rather than during the day. The additional buses are expected to give devotees better access to public transport during this period.
Areas the Additional Buses Will Cover
According to BEST, the additional bus services will run on routes connecting Colaba to the north-western parts of Mumbai. These routes will pass through several of the city’s major Ganeshotsav hubs. The arrangement will continue until immersion (visarjan) on Anant Chaturdashi, which falls on 25 September.
The areas covered include Girgaon, Lalbaug, Parel and Dadar, which see large numbers of devotees during Ganeshotsav. The additional bus services will be available on routes E-8, E-21, E-25, E-42, E-44, 51, 64, 66 and 69. Passengers travelling on these routes will have access to extra public transport facilities at night during Ganeshotsav.
Regular Daytime Service Sufficient, Night-time Crowds Surge
According to BEST, regular daytime bus services are generally sufficient to meet passenger demand. However, the number of devotees visiting public Ganesh pandals rises considerably in the evening and at night.
The number of devotees visiting pandals is expected to rise further, particularly after the immersion of Gauri-Ganpati idols. This is said to be the reason for the sharp increase in demand for public transport at night. BEST has planned the additional buses keeping this increased demand in mind.
Mumbai in the Colours of Ganeshotsav
The 10-day Ganeshotsav began in Mumbai on Monday. Idols of Lord Ganesh have been installed in homes, housing societies and public pandals across the city. Large numbers of devotees are visiting major Ganesh pandals, including those at Lalbaug, Dadar, Parel and Girgaon. BEST’s additional night bus services are expected to be a particular relief for those wishing to visit pandals for darshan late at night.
