BKC to Go Car-Free Every Friday as Mumbai Pushes Public Transport Usage

Mumbai, 8th June 2026: In a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable mobility, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has announced that every Friday will be observed as “Public Transport Day” in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) beginning June 12.

The initiative encourages more than 2 lakh professionals working in Mumbai’s premier business district to commute using public transport, including local trains, Metro services, and BEST buses, instead of private vehicles.

The programme has received in-principle support from nearly 90 companies and organisations operating within BKC. It is being implemented jointly by the MMRDA, BEST, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), Mumbai Traffic Police, auto-rickshaw unions, and urban mobility experts from WRI India.

Aiming to Reduce Traffic and Emissions

Officials said Fridays were chosen for the initiative as work schedules tend to be more flexible towards the end of the week, making employees more open to experimenting with alternative modes of travel. Mondays were deliberately avoided due to the pressure on commuters to reach offices on time after the weekend.

MMRDA has also directed its approximately 2,000 employees and contractual staff to participate in the programme.

The pilot project will be monitored over the next three to four months, during which authorities will review its effectiveness, identify operational challenges, and introduce necessary improvements based on weekly assessments.

Connectivity Challenges Remain

Surveys conducted among commuters revealed strong support for improved public transport. Around 82 percent of respondents said they would be willing to use public transportation if services became more reliable, frequent, and better connected.

However, poor last-mile connectivity remains a major hurdle. According to MMRDA officials, nearly 52 percent of commuters travelling to BKC still rely on personal cars, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. More than half of the area’s workforce spends over two hours commuting every day.

Employees have highlighted difficulties in accessing office buildings after exiting Metro stations, particularly due to a shortage of feeder buses and shared transport options within BKC.

Infrastructure Improvements Planned

Authorities are considering several short-term and long-term measures to support the initiative. Proposed improvements include increasing the frequency of BEST bus services, creating dedicated turning facilities for buses at key junctions, and improving pedestrian connectivity within the business district.

Urban planners have also recommended the development of shaded pedestrian corridors, enhanced tree cover, all-weather footpaths, and better links between Metro stations and office complexes to make walking more comfortable and accessible.

Incentives for Employees

To encourage participation, companies and authorities are discussing reward programmes, recognition initiatives, and travel reimbursement schemes for employees who regularly use public transport.

Speaking on the initiative, MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee said that meaningful change begins with individual action and that even a modest shift from private vehicles to public transport could significantly reduce congestion and lower carbon emissions.

Urban mobility experts have welcomed the move, describing it as an important step toward creating a more sustainable and pedestrian-friendly business district. They believe the programme could serve as a model for other commercial hubs across the country if implemented successfully.

With traffic congestion and environmental concerns continuing to challenge Mumbai’s urban infrastructure, the success of the BKC Public Transport Day initiative could mark a significant shift in the city’s approach to daily commuting.