Mumbai : A proposal to shift the BEST bus stop near the Gateway of India to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) area sparked a heated debate at the BEST committee meeting on Tuesday, with Sena (UBT) members strongly opposing the move, citing inconvenience to commuters and tourists.The proposal, which was placed before the committee as an information note stating that the final decision would rest with the BEST administration, drew sharp reactions, particularly from Sena (UBT) member Nitin Nandgaonkar. The discussion soon escalated into a war of words between BJP and Sena (UBT) members, with Nandgaonkar alleging that the move was “under pressure from the BJP” and stemmed from a suggestion made by Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar.In a communication last month, Narwekar had suggested relocating the bus stop to the Museum area near Regal Circle “due to congestion and complaints from the public at the existing Gateway location”, the proposal by BEST mentioned. Narwekar was unavailable for comment.Objecting strongly, Nandgaonkar said, “You cannot give BEST the right to shift a bus stop from the Gateway of India, which is an iconic location for tourists from across the world. These buses provide a cheap and reliable AC transport option with good frequency to Churchgate and CSMT. They should remain accessible from the Gateway itself.”BEST committee chairperson Trushna Vishwasrao said these were baseless allegations and there was no pressure from BJP or Narwekar or any other political person on the issue. She said that the administration has the authority to decide on shifting or changing bus stops. However, at the end of heated debate, she said that the proposal was being referred back to the administration, “which should come back with its final plan on whether it is shifting the bus stop or not, and the information should be made available to the committee which will discuss the issue.”Backing the concern, commuters and tourists said the presence of BEST buses at the Gateway helps curb exploitation by taxi drivers. “We often see taxi drivers charging Rs100–Rs 200 per trip or demanding high shared fares. If buses are shifted, it will only benefit taxi operators. Tourists will have to walk long distances to catch a bus,” said a frequent visitor.Echoing this, Nandgaonkar added that “foreigners and other passengers are often fleeced by taxi operators, who charge Rs 50 to Rs 100 per seat. BEST buses are far more affordable and should remain at the current location.”BEST officials, however, cited congestion as a key concern. Two key routes—A-112 to Churchgate and A-116 to CSMT—operate from the Gateway, carrying around 1,200 passengers daily. The services generate ₹1.17 lakh revenue on weekdays from 436 trips and ₹1.98 lakh on holidays through 598 services.Taking note of the disagreement, BEST committee chairperson Trushna Vishwasrao referred the proposal back to the administration. “BEST will have to present a detailed plan, including its objectives, before the committee. We will take a decision after reviewing the information,” she said.
