BEST Museum

Have you ever wondered how Mumbai, the bustling metropolis, moved around before the trains and taxis we know today? Right here at the BEST Museum, tucked away in the Anik Depot in Wadala, you can uncover the fascinating story of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport. The BEST Museum chronicles the incredible evolution of public transport in Mumbai. It’s a journey that begins not with roaring engines, but with the gentle clip-clop of horses’ hooves. The museum showcases the humble beginnings of the BEST, tracing its roots back to 1873 when it started as a horse-drawn tramway company. Imagine Mumbai’s streets, then still lined with remnants of the old fort walls, with these horse-drawn trams navigating through the burgeoning city. The BEST Museum beautifully illustrates this era with visual displays and informative text. It highlights the pivotal role of the Bombay Tramways Act of 1874, a milestone in the city’s transport history. The museum also displays how the company transitioned from horse-drawn trams to electric trams in 1907. This shift marked a significant leap, ushering in an era of faster, more efficient transport, further solidifying Mumbai’s position as the “Urbs Prima in Indis.” The BEST Museum doesn’t just stop at trams. It showcases the introduction of the bus service in 1926 and its subsequent evolution. You can see relics of the past, including a model of the iconic 1938 Daimler double-decker bus. The museum charts the journey of buses from diesel to CNG and now to the modern electric vehicles, reflecting the city’s commitment to sustainability. The BEST Museum isn’t just a collection of old vehicles and tickets. It represents the enduring spirit of Mumbai, a city that never stops moving. Through floods, pandemics, and civic unrest, the BEST buses have been a constant, a lifeline for the millions who call this city home. So, the next time you hop onto a BEST bus, remember the incredible journey it represents. A journey you can relive at the BEST Museum.