Mumbai: In preparation for the annual Mount Mary Fair in Bandra (West), the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has announced the deployment of 374 additional bus services to manage the expected surge in commuters.

The popular fair, which runs through the second week of September until September 21, draws thousands of pilgrims from across Mumbai and beyond, making efficient transport a top priority for city authorities.

“The extra services will primarily operate between Bandra Railway Station (West) and Hill Road Garden — the closest bus-accessible point to the Mount Mary Church. Due to the narrow and congested lanes leading directly to the church, regular buses are unable to reach the venue, and this shuttle service is expected to be the main transit option for devotees arriving by train and continuing their journey by road” said an official.

In addition to the shuttle services, BEST will also operate increased services on select routes including C-71, A-202, 321 Ltd., A-375, A-422, A-473, and C-505, expanding connectivity across Bandra and its surrounding areas.

The move aims to ease travel challenges, especially during peak periods such as weekends and feast days, when footfall near the church and the nearby Father Agnel Ashram typically spikes.

Acknowledging the strain on local infrastructure during the fair, BEST has also announced the deployment of additional buses on regular Bandra routes if needed, strengthening the public transport network throughout the festive period.

According to an official, the decision follows coordination with local authorities and is part of a broader plan to ensure smooth mobility and crowd control.

“To ensure operational efficiency and public safety, BEST will station bus inspectors and traffic officers at strategic points. These officials will manage services, direct passenger flow, and respond to any on-ground issues related to crowding or traffic disruptions” official further added.

BEST officials have urged the public to make use of the special bus services and cooperate with the staff to facilitate a smooth and safe commuting experience during the festivities.

Mumbai: Mumbai Airport Customs officials made a seizure of 24 Kt Gold, foreign currency and diamond studded ornaments across two cases, agency sources said on Friday.

According to the Customs sources, 24 Kt Gold pieces having weight of 0.689 Kg valued at Rs 66.43 lakh was recovered from a passenger arriving from Dubai to Mumbai.

“The gold was found concealed inside the body cavity of the passenger. The passenger was arrested under the provisions of Customs Act,” said a Customs source.

The agency is probing who had provided gold to the passenger and who was supposed to receive the said consignment in Mumbai, officials said.

In another case, foreign currency equivalent to Indian Rs 35.92 lakh and 24 Kt Gold Ring (01) & Earrings (02) studded with natural diamonds valued at Rs 1.30 lakh was recovered from a passenger going to Bangkok from Mumbai.

The goods were found concealed inside the trolley bag carried by the passenger.

To facilitate maintenance work of tracks, signalling, and overhead equipment, Western Railway will operate a Jumbo Block of four hours on the UP and DOWN slow lines between Borivali and Goregaon stations. The block will be in effect from 00:30 hrs to 04:30 hrs during the intervening night of Saturday/Sunday, September 13–14, 2025.

According to a press release issued by Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, during this block period:

UP Slow line trains will be diverted to run on the UP Fast line between Borivali and Andheri.

These trains will not halt at Ram Mandir station due to the unavailability of a platform.

Some UP and DOWN local trains will be cancelled, while others may be short terminated.

Western Railway has urged commuters to take note of the temporary changes and cooperate with the railway administration. Detailed information is available with concerned Station Masters.

It has also been clarified that there will be no block during daytime over the Western Railway Suburban section on Sunday, September 14, 2025.