On Friday, September 15, marked the end of an era as Mumbai’s last double-decker Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) bus departed from Marol Depot. These red double-decker buses were an essential part of city’s public transport system for over 80 years. Mumbaikars felt sadness and became nostalgic, including business tycoon Anand Mahindra, who took to social media to express his emotions, while the bus was making its final journey. He reported the discontinuation to the Mumbai Police and termed it as the theft of his cherished childhood memories.
While, Mahindra’s post stirred emotions among people, the quick and sweet response from the Mumbai Police team truly touched the hearts of social media users. Sharing the post, the businessman wrote, “Hello, Mumbai Police? I’d like to report the theft of one of my most important childhood memories.”
https://x.com/anandmahindra/status/1702715929308897477?s=20
Anand Mahindra’s tweet quickly caught the Mumbai Police’ attention, replying to a report of the Chairperson of Mahindra and Mahindra, they wrote, “We’ve received a ‘nostalgic heist’ report from Anand Mahindra Sir. We can clearly see the theft, but we cannot take possession of it. Those B.E.S.T cherished memories are safely kept in your heart, and among all Mumbaikars.”
https://x.com/MumbaiPolice/status/1702741358941970727?s=20
The heartwarming interaction between Anand Mahindra and the Mumbai Police received lots of love and praise from social media users, who were quick to appreciate the delightful exchange between them.
A user in response saluted the Mumbai Police for being so creative.
https://x.com/1nemali/status/1702762764706652364?s=20
While another suggested preserving the bus in Film City for rides when Mumbaikars visit.
https://x.com/faridashaikh2/status/1702749132773806182?s=20
Another commended the Mumbai Police for being not only one of the best in the country but also very creative.
https://x.com/beerable2/status/1702820749856186848?s=20
“Mumbai Police, you are epic,” a comment read.
https://x.com/dayakarreddyp/status/1702769043785343155?s=20
A person proposed the idea of keeping the bus secured in a place like a museum, to keep the memory of the real Bombay alive.
https://x.com/vkchandresh/status/1702890322060324919?s=20
The iconic red double-decker buses, introduced in 1937, have become an inseparable part of Mumbai’s identity. At the start of the 1990s, the BEST operated approximately 900 double-decker buses. However, this number began to decline after the mid-90s. Due to the high operational expenses, the BEST administration decided to end the production of double-decker buses after 2008.
Starting from February this year, BEST has been gradually introducing battery-powered double-decker buses and so far, approximately 25 of them are already in service. However, Mumbaikars won’t ever forget the charm of the classic bus and it has also made appearances in several Bollywood films.
Link – https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/anand-mahindra-reports-a-theft-mumbai-police-responds-nostalgic-heist-11379061.html
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/anand-mahindra-gets-emotional-as-mumbai-bids-adieu-to-iconic-red-double-decker-buses-see-post-11694836643323.html
Comments
0 comment