Anand Mahindra Expresses Emotion as Mumbai Says Goodbye to Iconic Red Double-Decker Buses
Written by Sanjay Kumar
As Mumbai prepares to bid a poignant farewell to its iconic red double-decker buses, Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, took to social media to share his heartfelt sentiments. The red double-decker buses, which have been an enduring symbol of Mumbai’s public transport system for over 80 years, are set to roll off the streets this week.
In addition to the traditional double-decker buses, which have served the city since 1937, the open-deck variants that have catered to tourists’ sightseeing pleasures since the 1990s will also vanish from Mumbai’s urban landscape in the first week of October.
Yesterday, an emotional gathering of bus drivers, conductors, and commuters assembled to bid adieu to the beloved non-AC diesel Double Decker Buses of Mumbai.
As these iconic vehicles make their final exit from the bustling streets of Mumbai, Anand Mahindra expressed his nostalgia through a poignant post on the X platform. He remarked, “Hello, Mumbai Police? I’d like to report the theft of one of my most important childhood memories.”
Hello, Mumbai Police? I’d like to report the theft of one of my most important childhood memories. 😞 https://t.co/Lo9QHJBVDW
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) September 15, 2023
Meanwhile, various commuter groups and passionate bus enthusiasts have rallied behind the cause, urging the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) to preserve at least two of these historic buses at its Anik depot-based museum. Letters have been penned to the Maharashtra Chief Minister, Tourism Minister, and the BEST administration, beseeching them to safeguard these relics of Mumbai’s past.
The Legacy of Mumbai’s Red Double-Decker Buses
The red double-decker buses made their debut in Mumbai’s public transport system in 1937, swiftly becoming an emblematic representation of the city itself. Notably, they have even graced the silver screen, featuring in memorable songs from Bollywood movies set in Mumbai.
During the early 1990s, the BEST boasted a fleet of approximately 900 double-decker buses. However, their numbers gradually dwindled after the mid-90s. Citing soaring operational costs, the BEST administration halted the induction of double-decker buses after 2008. Since February this year, the BEST has been replacing these iconic buses with leased battery-run red and black double-decker buses, with about 25 such buses introduced thus far.
Recently, the BEST announced plans to acquire open-deck buses for sightseeing purposes, with the procurement process already underway. Until these new additions arrive, the battery-run double-decker e-buses will continue to cater to tourists.
However, some commuters argue that while the modern battery-run buses offer comfort, they lack the nostalgic charm of their older counterparts.
The farewell to Mumbai’s red double-decker buses marks the end of an era, with the city bidding adieu to a cherished piece of its history and culture.
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