Mumbai, town that pulsates with life day and evening, is witnessing the top of an period today as its iconic double-decker buses roll into historical past. After greater than eight a long time of serving as an integral a part of town’s bustling panorama, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has determined to retire its remaining fleet of those charming buses, citing issues associated to security and upkeep.
For generations of Mumbaikars, these vibrant crimson, open-roofed, double-decker buses have been greater than only a mode of transportation. They have been an everlasting image of town’s spirit and a vessel of cherished recollections. Introduced in 1937, they shortly captured the hearts of each locals and vacationers, turning into an emblematic characteristic of Mumbai’s public transportation system.
Goodbye Double-Decker Bus.
The Last Double Decker bus (non-AC) leaving from Marol Depot today morning pic.twitter.com/fSE0ygABij— Mumbai Heritage (@mumbaiheritage) September 15, 2023
Over the years, these buses transcended their function as mere autos; they grew to become a beloved a part of Mumbai’s cultural identification. They starred in Bollywood movies, offering iconic backdrops for unforgettable film scenes. Melodious tunes paid tribute to them, celebrating their place within the metropolis’s cosmopolitan soul.
Yet, because the years rolled on, the double-decker buses started to point out indicators of wear and tear and tear. Aging and inadequately maintained, they grew to become concerned in a sequence of unlucky accidents. Their security options now not met fashionable requirements, and they lacked accessibility for people with disabilities.
In mild of those real security issues, the choice was made to retire these beloved buses. Their final journey started from Marol Depot on a Friday morning, marking the top of an period that spans again to the early 1900s. October 5, 2023, is about to be their last day in service.
The sentiment surrounding this farewell is finest captured by industrialist Anand Mahindra, who lamented, “Hello, Mumbai Police? I’d like to report the theft of one of my most important childhood memories.” He echoed the feelings felt by numerous Mumbaikars who grew up with the enduring buses.
Hello, Mumbai Police? I’d wish to report the theft of one in every of my most essential childhood recollections. 😞 https://t.co/Lo9QHJBVDW
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) September 15, 2023
While the departure of those buses marks the top of an unforgettable chapter in Mumbai’s historical past, it’s important to acknowledge that this resolution was made with public security in thoughts. Modern, safer alternate options are set to interchange them, promising improved reliability and safety for town’s residents. As Mumbai says its final goodbyes to those charming crimson giants, their legacy lives on within the hearts and recollections of town they served so faithfully for over eight a long time.
Mumbai’s Double-Decker Buses have a wealthy and storied historical past: Glimpse into their journey via time
1937: The iconic Double-Decker Buses made their debut in Mumbai in 1937. Imported from England, they shortly grew to become a novel addition to town’s public transportation system. Their distinctive double-level design and vibrant crimson colour set them aside from different modes of transport.
Cultural Icon: Over the years, these buses grew to become greater than only a technique of getting from level A to B. They grew to become an integral a part of Mumbai’s cultural identification. Their appearances in Bollywood movies, the place they typically performed pivotal roles, solidified their standing as cultural icons. Melodious songs celebrated their distinctive appeal, making them a logo of town’s cosmopolitan spirit.
Tourist Attraction: The Double-Decker Buses weren’t only for commuters; additionally they served as a well-liked mode of sightseeing for vacationers. With their open roofs, passengers may take pleasure in panoramic views of town’s bustling streets, historic landmarks, and coastal surroundings.
Safety Concerns: However, because the years handed, security issues started to emerge. The buses, growing older and poorly maintained, grew to become concerned in accidents, elevating questions on their reliability and passenger security. Moreover, they didn’t meet modern security requirements and lacked accessibility options for people with disabilities.
#WATCH | Non-AC double-decker bus conducts its last trip in Mumbai.
Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has changed Non-AC double-decker buses with AC double-decker buses. pic.twitter.com/zUEw3DwgzF
— ANI (@ANI) September 15, 2023
Retirement Decision: In 2023, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) made the troublesome resolution to retire the remaining Double-Decker Buses from its fleet. Citing security and upkeep issues, BEST introduced that these beloved autos would get replaced by newer, safer alternate options.
Farewell: The retirement of Mumbai’s Double-Decker Buses marks the top of an period within the metropolis’s historical past. While their departure is met with nostalgia and unhappiness by many, you will need to keep in mind that this resolution was made in one of the best pursuits of public security. The new buses will present improved reliability and security for the residents of Mumbai.
