On January 26, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the fully operational northbound carriageway of the bowstring arch bridge, linking the Coastal Road with the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BSWL). The new bridge ensures a smoother flow of traffic between South Mumbai and the Sea Link, enhancing connectivity between key parts of the city.

However, extending the bus service to Bandra remains a distant prospect due to operational hurdles, including toll fees at the Sea Link. While BEST is committed to assessing demand, the focus will initially remain on the Marine Drive-Worli stretch. The new service will operate with a 20-30 minute frequency, terminating at Worli for now. BEST officials emphasized that an expansion to Bandra is unfeasible until toll exemptions are granted for BEST buses.

The new service follows the partial launch of MCRP, which also features an existing route—A-78—connecting NCPA to Byculla West. However, the A-78 route has seen limited patronage, with low commuter turnout. This has been attributed to the insufficient fleet size, which has dwindled to under 2,900 buses from more than 3,000 in previous years. Furthermore, delays in completing essential infrastructure on the Coastal Road have compounded challenges in expanding public bus services.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is working on building 10 bus bays and 20 pedestrian underpasses (PUPs) along the 10.58 km stretch of the road. As of now, only one pedestrian underpass, at Haji Ali, is operational. The rest are expected to be ready by May 2025, while the bus bays are awaiting final installations.

Despite these infrastructural delays, the introduction of the new bus route aligns with Mumbai's broader sustainability objectives. The service, which will utilize dedicated bus lanes, aims to reduce traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions by encouraging the use of public transport over private vehicles.

For Mumbaikars, this new bus service offers a ray of hope for more efficient commuting. With the Marine Drive-Worli route, daily travel for residents of South Mumbai will be significantly more convenient. As BEST continues to expand public transport options, the new service reflects a growing commitment to addressing the city's pressing mobility needs and making Mumbai a more sustainable urban hub.