Mumbai is gearing up to introduce its inaugural public transport bus service on the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), famously known as the Atal Setu, marking a significant milestone for the city’s transportation network. The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has finalized a new bus route, S-145, in collaboration with the Chalo app, according to a report by Mid-day.com.
The proposed route for the S-145 bus will span from Konkan Bhavan in Belapur to the World Trade Centre via the Atal Setu, facilitating connectivity between key locations. The bus is scheduled to traverse through Sai Sangam, Targhar, Ulwe node, Aai Tarumata, Kamdhenu Oaklands, MTHL, Eastern Freeway, CSMT, Churchgate station, and culminate at Cuffe Parade. This strategic route aims to serve commuters traveling between Navi Mumbai and Mumbai’s central business district efficiently.
Initial operations of the S-145 bus service are anticipated to commence with two morning services from Belapur to the World Trade Centre and two evening services in the reverse direction. The decision to launch these services follows a trial conducted by BEST with input from bus enthusiasts and experts to gather feedback and refine operational strategies.
In addition to defining the route, BEST is actively working on establishing the finer details of the service, including fare structures and operational protocols. The integration of the Chalo app, a popular transportation app, reflects the authorities’ commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the commuting experience and streamline public transport operations.
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12, is a monumental infrastructure project aimed at enhancing connectivity between Mumbai and its satellite city, Navi Mumbai. Spanning 21.8 kilometers, with a significant portion traversing the sea, the bridge, officially named Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, represents a significant engineering feat. Constructed at a cost of ₹17,840 crore, the MTHL is poised to reduce travel time between the two cities from several hours to a mere 15-20 minutes, revolutionizing intercity commuting.
The introduction of public bus services on the MTHL signifies a crucial step towards maximizing the utility of this infrastructure and improving accessibility for commuters. Shubham Padave, a prominent bus enthusiast and expert, expressed his appreciation for this initiative, commending the collaboration between the Chalo app and BEST in expanding public transport options across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). He emphasized the importance of introducing premium and ordinary bus routes on the MTHL and other upcoming projects to cater to diverse commuter needs effectively.
In a related development, Milind Deora, a senior leader from the Shiv Sena, recently advocated for the implementation of a “bus priority lane” on the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link. This proactive approach towards prioritizing public transport solutions underscores the authorities’ commitment to promoting sustainable and efficient modes of transportation in Mumbai.
Overall, the launch of the S-145 bus service on the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link represents a significant stride towards enhancing urban mobility and fostering connectivity within the MMR. As Mumbai continues to evolve, investments in robust public transport infrastructure and innovative solutions are imperative to address the city’s growing transportation needs and improve the quality of life for its residents.
