# BEST to upgrade 8 Mumbai routes to AC buses from October 5 2026-09-29T19:26:55+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) will introduce AC buses on eight routes and modify several others from October 5, along with scrapping one low-demand service. The AC upgrade covers routes 145, 223 Ltd, 242, 249, 266, 312, 423, and C-505, which connect areas such as Byculla, Andheri, Mulund, and CBD Belapur. Routes A-22, A-30, A-35, A-39, A-62, A-200, A-394, A-419, A-427, and A-433 will see extensions, re-routings, or additional peak-hour services. Route A-471 between Ghatkopar and Borivali East will be cancelled entirely due to poor commuter response. BEST stated the changes aim to improve frequency and reduce crowding. ## Indian Opinion Analysis Both Times of India and Free Press Journal report BEST's October 5 bus changes neutrally, leading with the AC upgrades and route scrapping. Free Press Journal provides a route-by-route breakdown of the modifications, while Times of India focuses more on AC conversion details. Neither outlet criticises or praises the decision. The uniform, agency-style reporting suggests the changes are seen as routine municipal administration. BEST will face a concrete test of the passenger response to the discontinued A-471 and the overall adoption of the new AC services. ## Coverage - timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report) Routes listed with depot names and cancellation reason - freepressjournal.in (neutral report) Full modification breakdown with peak-hour additions Tags: BEST, Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport, Mumbai Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/best-to-upgrade-8-mumbai-routes-to-ac-buses-from-october-5/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/best-to-upgrade-8-mumbai-routes-to-ac-buses-from-october-5/#story-in-brief