The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will now operate a direct air-conditioned bus service (AC) between Gundavali, the terminus of Mumbai Metro's Red Line 7, on the Western Express Highway (WEH), and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), bridging the connectivity gap between the western suburbs and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC).

BKC has a large number of offices and the Red Line 7 currently ends briefly at Gundavali at Andheri Junction along the WEH. It's an effort to provide last-mile connectivity to the new bus service, an official said.

He added that the premium AC bus service was started in partnership with the BEST enterprise (Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport).

According to the official, the premium bus will make up to 21 stops while traveling out of a total of 29 trips per day - 16 to BKC and 13 to Gundavli. From 7.30 am to 11.40 am, the service with route number S-112 runs towards BKC. From 15:40 to 20:15, the service runs in the direction of Gundavali station.

Depending on the distance travelled, the new AC bus service has fares ranging from Rs 60 to Rs 90. To use the service, commuters must download the BEST Chalo app and reserve their tickets, the official said.

Meanwhile, S V R Srinivas, MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner and Chairman and Managing Director of Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL), said providing facilities such as parking spaces and electric bikes near metro stations that provide crucial last-mile connectivity to commuters has been in focus. They plan to build synergies and create a robust framework so Mumbaikars can travel comfortably.