BEST not keen on new services on freeway

Unsure about the number of passengers, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking is not keen on introducing new bus services via the Eastern Freeway. Kailash Korde reports.

Unsure about the number of passengers, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking is not keen on introducing new bus services via the Eastern Freeway.

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Even as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) had announced the opening of the Orange Gate to Panjarpol stretch long ago, the undertaking hasn’t surveyed the route. A senior BEST official said that the route will be surveyed after the inauguration.

According to sources, as most part of the freeway passes through port land and industrial areas such as Mahul, BEST authorities feel that they may not get enough number of passengers. Instead of an ordinary route, BEST is mulling over introduction of a point-to-point corridor service via the freeway, during peak hours. It is likely to be introduced after July, after the annual review of bus routes, said sources.

Transport experts said that unless buses are introduced along the route, the travel time will not reduce.

OP Gupta, general manager, BEST, said they will soon decide on the introduction of bus services on the freeway.