The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has stopped the operation of its air-conditioned bus route A-188 between Borivali (East) railway station and Kanheri Caves. The decision follows directions from the Bombay High Court, officials said.
Officials said that the decision was made following a communication from the Deputy Director (South) of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The BEST have ordered the suspension of public transport services within the national park area to protect the environment and wildlife.
As a result, AC bus route A-188 has been completely withdrawn from service from January 16, 2026.
Extra buses for Mahashivratri
Meanwhile, BEST has announced additional bus services on the occasion of Mahashivratri on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
To assist devotees visiting the Babulnath Temple, extra buses will operate on routes 57, 67 and 103 between 7.00 am and 7.00 pm.
Traffic officers and bus inspectors will also be deployed at the temple area to guide passengers and manage the crowd.
BEST has appealed to commuters and devotees to make use of its bus services for convenient travel.
BEST announces extra buses for HSC, SSC students during board exams
Mumbai In view of the upcoming Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) have announced the operation of additional buses to facilitate the smooth commute of students across Mumbai.
The HSC (Class 12) examinations are scheduled from February 10 to March 11, while the SSC (Class 10) exams will be held from February 20 to March 18. With a large number of students expected to travel to examination centres across Mumbai during this period, BEST has directed its administration to ensure hassle-free transportation.
According to the directive, depot managers, deputy depot managers, and assistant depot managers will arrange for extra bus services, if students or parents request for the service as well as on the basis of the requirements on on-ground traffic situations. BEST officials and inspectors will be posted at key locations to expedite traffic clearance and prevent delays, the administration stated.
BEST staff asked to assist students; front-door boarding allowed during exam period
Bus staff, including conductors, drivers, and inspectors, have been asked to assist students courteously and provide them with the necessary support during their journey. Additionally, students will be allowed to board buses through the front door throughout the examination period to ensure easier access.
The move comes as part of broader efforts by authorities in Maharashtra to ensure that students reach their examination centres on time and without inconvenience.
