Mumbai bus stops are being upgraded thanks to the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking. About 600 bus stations in various parts of the city have been recognised as part of this initiative and will gradually receive a new, stylish look.
The recently renovated bus stops will have amenities like free WiFi, charging facilities for laptops and smartphones, a glass fibre shed structure that provides a transparent view from inside the bus stop, QR codes with information about nearby popular places, including whether or not there are any nearby public restrooms and an alarm system for women to use if they are being harassed. In addition, there are tactile floors for the blind, leaning bars, tiered seats, a video analytics camera, bilingual advisories, an extended roof, retro-reflective floor graphics, anti-skid floors, and a smart digital display.
Major infrastructure development projects are now being carried out in the city, according to BEST general manager Lokesh Chandra. Since bus stops are a necessary component of the city’s infrastructure, the BEST has also taken up the bus stop facelift. It will be improved to enhance its aesthetic appeal, according to Chandra.
At a cost of Rs 35 lakh, the Worli bus stop of the National Sports Club of India (NSCI) has undergone a stylish makeover. A small library, free WiFi, and an emergency siren are among the amenities at this bus station.
Mumbai has 3,000 bus stops in all, 600 of which have been chosen to get a fancy makeover. These bus stops were selected based on factors like popularity, accessibility to offices, residential neighbourhoods, or other major tourist destinations, as well as factors like space availability.
BEST and a private company named Signpost have agreed to a 20-year partnership in order to enhance the streetscape of Mumbai by installing a network of bus shelters. These bus shelters must be installed, maintained, and operated as part of the job. The contractor can monetize these bus stops by placing advertisements there.
Each bus stop renovation project will cost between Rs 20 to Rs 35 lakh.