Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar has sparked controversy by suggesting that Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus stops near the Gateway of India be relocated to prevent traffic jams, despite the Prime Minister pushing for the use of public transport.
In a letter to the BEST, Narwekar has suggested shifting two bus stops about a kilometre away, to Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. He claimed the Gateway of India precinct, which draws large numbers of domestic and international tourists, has been experiencing severe traffic congestion due to the BEST bus stops in the area, causing regular inconvenience to tourists and pedestrians alike. He stated that local citizens and public representatives had urged that the stops be shifted to a more appropriate location near the museum.
The two routes in question — A-112 (Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk/Churchgate to Gateway of India) and A-116 (CSMT to Gateway of India) — operate throughout the week and serve as critical last-mile connectivity for passengers travelling onward by sea to Elephanta, Mandwa, Uran, and Alibaug.
BEST committee opposes
BEST chairperson Trushna Vishwasrao said, “BEST is the lifeline of the city, and the Gateway of India is an iconic monument of the city. The place is visited by tourists not only from across the country but across the world. BEST buses should be seen there. It would not be appropriate to take BEST buses away from the location. I am referring the proposal back.”
A BEST committee member said, “Why is Narwekar encouraging taxis and other illegal transport at the spot. They loot passengers. The BEST bus takes you there for Rs 10 to Rs 12. On the one hand, the PM is saying use public transport, and on the other hand, this is being proposed.”
Speaker speaks
Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar told mid-day, “How far is the Gateway of India and the museum circle? Just a few yards. It will not be a big deal if the stops are shifted. The traffic chaos at the Gateway of India will go away, and the traffic will be streamlined. As for the Prime Minister’s appeal, I am not saying anything about moving public transport far away, but just a few yards and in fact, all of this will make public transport effective and clutter-free”
The occupancy
Every weekday, 436 buses carry around 24,000 passengers, earning BEST Rs 1.17 lakh, while on Sundays and holidays, ridership climbs to 28,000 across 598 buses, generating Rs 1.98 lakh in revenue.
