Mumbaikars Bid an Emotional Goodbye as BEST Retires Its Legendary Non-AC CNG Bus Fleet After 15 Years

For many Mumbaikars, these red and white BEST buses weren’t just a mode of transport, they were a part of daily life, childhood memories, and countless city stories. On October 11, Mumbai came together to bid a heartfelt farewell to one such legend the Ashok Leyland JNNURM CNG bus, marking the end of the city’s beloved non-AC CNG bus fleet after 15 remarkable years of service.

The emotional send-off began at the Malvani Depot, where bus enthusiasts, depot staff, and lifelong commuters gathered to celebrate this iconic chapter in Mumbai’s transport history. The farewell procession led by bus number 1948, after the original bus 1864 faced an engine issue, took a nostalgic journey through Mumbai’s most iconic routes. From Aarey Colony and Mumbai’s airports to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Coastal Road, Colaba, Eastern Freeway, SCLR, and Gokhale Bridge, the route symbolically connected the heart of the city that the bus had served so faithfully.

The buses, which once carried lakhs of passengers daily, were more than metal and wheels they represented Mumbai’s pulse. The farewell event reflected that deep connection. The buses were beautifully decorated with garlands, ribbons, and photographs, and the depot was filled with cheers, nostalgia, and a few tears. Coconuts were broken, cakes were cut, and depot staff were felicitated for their years of dedication. Many fans even wore custom-made T-shirts featuring 3D designs of the iconic bus, turning the event into a celebration of emotion and memory.

The event also marked the gradual end of Mumbai’s non-AC CNG era, with bus 1949 set to retire on October 17. These buses had been a familiar sight across the city since the early 2000sconnecting neighborhoods, carrying students, office-goers, and countless stories.

While the city moves toward modern AC electric buses, for many, the farewell felt like saying goodbye to an old friend. These CNG buses may no longer run through Mumbai’s streets, but their legacy of affordability, reliability, and the warmth of everyday rides will forever remain part of Mumbai’s soul.