Mumbai News: BEST Resumes Bus Services From CSMT After 4-Day Suspension Amid Maratha Quota Stir

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking resumed bus operations from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on Tuesday, four days after services were suspended due to the ongoing Maratha quota agitation.

Protest Blockades Had Brought South Mumbai To Standstill

The resumption of services brought much-needed relief to office-goers who had been forced to walk to workplaces in areas like Nariman Point, Backbay, and Colaba, as protesters had blocked major junctions around CSMT over the past few days.

Bus services from CSMT and several parts of South Mumbai were disrupted after the agitation, led by activist Manoj Jarange, drew thousands of Maratha protesters to the city.

"BEST has resumed bus services from the Bhatia Baug outside CSMT. Routes 138 and 115 are now operational," said an official, adding that operations in the area are still partially impacted.

Traffic Diversions Still In Place Around CSMT

With DN Road, Mahapalika Marg, and Hazarimal Somani Marg closed by police, buses are being diverted via Mahatma Phule Market, LT Marg, and Metro Junction towards Hutatma Chowk.

However, several bus routes remain diverted, suspended, or curtailed due to the protest at Azad Maidan.

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Partial Normalcy As Traffic Movement Improves

Sources said traffic police have opened both lanes of DN Road between JJ Flyover and Hutatma Chowk, although a section of the square outside CSMT remains blocked by protesters and their vehicles.