Mumbai New Year 2026 Celebration: On December 31, the BEST Buses, Metro Line 3, and Local Trains Will Operate All Night
Mumbai New Year 2026 Celebration: Mumbai’s public transport system will operate extended hours to facilitate safe mobility around the city as New Year’s festivities continue into the early hours of January 1, 2026, which is good news for partygoers, late-night workers, and emergency service personnel. To handle the high passenger demand, authorities have planned extended operations for BEST buses, Metro-3, and suburban local trains. The goal of the move is to lessen traffic congestion and the hazards connected with using private vehicles, since thousands of people are anticipated to attend midnight activities, visit public spaces, and commute following celebrations. According to officials, these plans are centered on improving connection, guaranteeing dependable transportation alternatives all night long, and assuring passenger safety.
Metro Line-3, sometimes referred to as the Aqua Line, would run continuously on New Year’s Eve, according to Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited. On December 31, after 10:30 p.m., special late-night services will start. They will run continuously until 5:55 a.m. on January 1, 2026, at which point normal schedules will resume. The decision is in line with the customary high passenger volume and heavy traffic on December 31. The Aqua Line’s midnight service is anticipated to reduce reliance on private automobiles by connecting a number of important commercial and residential areas. It has been recommended that commuters make plans in advance, adhere to station policies, and travel sensibly on this joyous day.
To accommodate the New Year crowds, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport project has also launched more bus routes. Additional buses would be available between 11:00 and 11:30 p.m. for commuters going to well-known celebration locations including Gateway of India, Juhu Chowpatty, Gorai Beach, and Marve Chowpatty, according to BEST authorities. In addition to air-conditioned lines A-21, A-112, A-116, A-247, A-272, and A-294, special services will be operated on C-86, 203, and 231. Additionally, the Heritage Tour bus will run starting at 5:30 p.m., contingent on passenger demand.
On December 31, Mumbai’s suburban train network will also operate extra late-night trips. At 1:30 am, more local trains will run in both directions between CSMT and Kalyan on the Central Railway main line. In addition, commuters on the Harbour Line will take advantage of special CSMT–Panvel services. Virar–Churchgate services will run from 12:15 am to 3:05 am on the Western Railway, while Churchgate–Virar locals will run at various intervals between 1:15 am and 3:25 am. Additional GRP and RPF officers will be stationed at strategic locations to control crowds.
Mumbai’s fire department has been put on high alert due to anticipated mass crowds at hotels, pubs, restaurants, and seaside regions. Ashwini Joshi, an additional commissioner, has urged people to exercise caution as they start the new year. Additionally, a safety alert has been issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, encouraging event planners and attendees to adhere closely to fire safety standards. Officials emphasized that in order to avoid accidents and provide a seamless emergency response in the event that one is required, public participation is crucial. To ensure that the city starts the New Year safely and positively, residents have been urged to celebrate in a responsible manner.