Vashi NMMT Bus Depot Opens After 18 Months, City Commuters Get Relief
Image: AI Generated
Navi Mumbai: The long-awaited Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport bus depot at Vashi has finally begun city bus operations after remaining unused for nearly 18 months since completion. The Rs 190 crore facility became operational just ahead of the enforcement of the election code of conduct and without a formal inauguration, bringing relief to thousands of daily commuters.
For over a year, city bus passengers were forced to board buses from the congested Vashi–Kopar Khairane main road after the old bus station was demolished before the pandemic. The arrangement exposed commuters to traffic hazards, harsh weather and safety risks, triggering public criticism and repeated demands for the depot’s opening.
While city routes have now shifted to the new facility, outstation passengers continue to face difficulties. Travellers heading to other states are still required to wait at temporary stops along the Sion–Panvel highway, often late at night and without basic amenities such as seating, shelter or restrooms. This has raised concerns about safety, particularly for elderly commuters.
Activists have flagged the absence of a dedicated inter-state bus terminal as a major planning gap. Residents have urged authorities to utilise available space within the Vashi depot to accommodate long-distance bus operations.
Our Final Thoughts
The opening of the Vashi bus depot marks a long-overdue improvement in Navi Mumbai’s public transport infrastructure. While daily commuters benefit immediately, the absence of an inter-state terminal remains a serious concern. Addressing the needs of outstation passengers will be essential to fully utilise the depot’s potential and ensure safer, more inclusive transport planning for the city.