Borivli's Court Lane to Welcome BEST Bus Services Soon: Clearing of Hawkers Paves the Way

Borivli West, Mumbai: Residents of Borivli West are set to see a revival of bus services on Bhaji Market Gully (Court Lane) as the BEST undertaking confirms plans to resume operations soon. After two weeks of action by the BMC and police to clear illegal hawkers and encroachments from the stretch, the much-awaited restoration of bus routes is on the horizon.

The Gorai Depot Manager of BEST, H.S. Shetty, highlighted that while buses on routes A-244, A-246, and A-277 had previously been diverted to Chandavarkar Road due to the encroachment, a feasibility survey will be conducted to assess the viability of operating 12-meter-long Olectra Greentech buses via Court Lane. If these larger buses do not fit, smaller electric or conventional buses will replace them to ensure the continuation of services.

In response to residents' concerns, the BEST Public Relations Officer, Sudas Sawant, assured that once the survey is completed, buses will resume services directly through the market lane. The BEST also noted that restoring the bus routes will prevent illegal hawkers from regaining control of the area, further reinforcing the BMC and police efforts to maintain the cleared road.

Residents had written to BEST urging for the swift restoration of services, highlighting how the diversion of bus routes to Chandavarkar Road had resulted in congestion and longer travel times. According to resident Sudesh Naik's letter to BEST, operating the bus routes via Court Lane will reduce travel time by at least 3-5 minutes and cut fuel consumption, benefiting both commuters and the environment.