In a heartwarming decision that has stirred nostalgia among Mumbaikars, the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) has decided to honor the memory of one of its last iconic non-AC diesel double-decker buses.
These cherished buses bid their final farewell to the city’s streets just last week, but soon, they’ll find a new home in the heart of the BEST museum at Anik depot.
The process of preserving this vintage double-decker is currently underway, promising to maintain the bus’s original charm. Insider sources reveal that the fuel tank and batteries will be carefully removed, ensuring that the bus can be displayed with all its authentic spare parts intact.
The official confirmation of this heartwarming news came in the form of a letter from BEST, received by dedicated bus enthusiast Shubham Padave. His passionate advocacy for preserving the last remaining double-decker bus back in June found a warm response. The letter, dated Wednesday, highlights BEST’s unwavering commitment to retaining one of the few double-decker buses slated for scrap and putting it on permanent public display. A copy of this heartfelt letter is now in the hands of TOI.
BEST’s General Manager, Vijay Singhal, expressed that this decision was a direct response to the chorus of requests from commuters and passionate bus fans alike. He shared, “We decided to save one of these buses for the museum because these old buses hold a special place in people’s hearts, filled with countless cherished memories.”
Insiders have hinted at the possibility of relocating this preserved double-decker to a public location in the future, much like the century-old tram displayed at Bhatia Baug near CSMT station.
This heartwarming decision has garnered enthusiastic support from bus enthusiasts and commuter groups, with Aapli BEST Aaplyachsathi leading an online social media campaign with the hashtag #preservedoubledecker.
After an illustrious 80-year run, Mumbai has bid a fond farewell to its iconic red double-decker buses. The BEST recently phased out the remaining buses, leaving only three open-deck buses to be retired on October 5. These buses were beloved for their spaciousness and breathtaking views, but as times changed, they became less efficient and fell out of favor. In response, BEST introduced 25 battery-powered double-decker buses to take their place. Yet, the retiring fleet still holds a special place in the hearts of many Mumbaikars.
The last day of service for these iconic diesel double-decker buses in Mumbai was a day filled with surprises for commuters. Some fortunate passengers received old-style paper tickets in the morning, and the buses were adorned with balloons and garlands. Commuters couldn’t help but express their sadness at the end of an era, with one rider reminiscing that riding these buses had been a “great experience.” A group of union activists also used the occasion to call for an increase in the city’s bus fleet to ease overcrowding and discomfort on existing buses.
The discontinuation of double-decker buses in Mumbai has left several local celebrities feeling wistful and reflective. Arjun Bijlani fondly remembered the excitement of securing a front seat for panoramic views during his college days, while Bharti Singh regretted never having the chance for a joyride.
Aasiya Kazi cherished childhood memories of riding these buses, and Karan Sharma firmly believed they should never have been retired. Karan Khandelwal often took friends from other cities on thrilling rides aboard these double-decker buses, solidifying them as an indelible part of Mumbai’s cultural heritage.
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