Representative image.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
There was a tepid response to the first weekly Public Transport Day initiative in Mumbai’s business district of Bandra Kurla Complex on Friday (June 12, 2026).
Commuters pointed out the lack of robust last-mile connectivity, asking for increased BEST service to cater for the nearest local train station. The initiative has been rolled out by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
Dilnaz (36), who usually self-drives to BKC, participated in ‘no-car day’; she travelled from Bandra West to BKC via an autorickshaw. “It is a good initiative, but it will require more effort as last-mile connectivity is still not solid. For me to come from Bandra West Pali, I would have to take a shared auto, cross Bandra railway station and take a shared auto from Bandra East to BKC. I preferred to take direct auto to avoid hassle and heat.”
The buses and autos are the only modes of transport that provide last-mile connectivity, but it becomes a hassle due to traffic congestion and the high fares of autorickshaws. Many commuters, while participating on the first day of MMRDA’s initiative, pointed out that BEST bus system should be robust and have good frequency.
The commuters, who use public transport daily for their commute, have raised concerns to improve BEST bus system in BKC so that it will save money, time, and also ease traffic congestion.
The distance between Bandra East railway station and BKC is around 5 km, taking at least 25 minutes during peak hours. With proper traffic management and people opting for public vehicles, it made a difference for regular public commuters by 5-10 minutes as the vehicles were relatively fewer. However, people who travelled by their own cars spent more time reaching their offices. The response has been a lukewarm.
Ishan Naik (37), who travels by car from Worli to BKC- 12 kms, usually takes 40 minutes. It took him 50 minutes to reach his workplace by using the metro and then a shared auto. “Linear travelling (From North to South) is easy, but from central to east (Worli to BKC) is a bit tedious. But for a day it is fine,” he said.
MMRDA aimed to implement ‘no car day’, appealing commuters in BKC to take public transport, including Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) bus, metro, railway, taxi, or autorickshaw to travel to their offices every Friday and contribute to its green movement. For the same reason, MMRDA conducted a public awareness campaign in the last few days, including for MMRDA officials and employees.
BKC, Mumbai’s premier business development by the MMRDA, is spread across 370 hectares, comprising Bandra, Kurla, Kalina, Dharavi and Mahim Creek. Housing institutions such as the National Stock Exchange, Bharat Diamond Bourse, the U.S. Consulate, Jio World Centre and several multinational companies. It has been one of the most crowded and congested areas, especially from Bandra East railway station to the Family Court patch.
Another commuter, Dhananjay (31), walked 1.5 km from Bandra East station to the Family Court in E-Block. He said, “I usually take the auto, I thought of walking. It is no fun, but for a day, doable.” He comes from Dahisar by train or direct bus.
MMRDA claimed several business houses, including BKC Property Association, Bharat Diamond Bourse, Naman Group, SEBI and some other companies have responded to their appeal. BEST also extended its support to MMRDA, adding more trips on the Bandra Railway Station to Kurla Station via the BKC route.
Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has also appealed to those coming and going to BKC to use the Aarey to Cuffe Parade underground Metro 3 line to reach BKC.
Published – June 13, 2026 11:57 am IST
