Mumbai's Iconic Double-Decker Bus Preserved as 'Memorial Bus' and Mobile Museum

The iconic red double-decker bus, once a defining symbol of Mumbai’s public transport landscape, has now been officially preserved as a museum piece. Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has converted the city’s last non-AC double-decker bus into a ‘Memorial Bus’—a tribute to nearly a century of service that these double-deckers provided to Mumbaikars.

The historic bus, which was officially retired from operation in September 2023, has been stationed at the Anik depot in Wadala. The move is part of a larger initiative by BEST to safeguard and celebrate the city’s transportation heritage.

According to a report by Maharashtra Times, the preserved bus will not only serve as a nostalgic exhibit but also as a mobile museum, offering both historical context and emotional resonance to visitors. The vehicle has been equipped with informational panels across both decks, chronicling the evolution of the double-decker service in Mumbai since its inception.

From Streets to Showcase: The Journey
Mumbai's double-decker buses were first introduced on December 8, 1937, as a solution to the growing commuter load that single-decker buses couldn’t manage. The buses soon became a common sight on city roads, with their towering height and vibrant red paint turning them into a beloved symbol of the city.

The history of BEST itself dates back even further, with the first bus service launched on July 15, 1926, in a city that primarily relied on trams at the time. Over the decades, the double-decker buses found their way into Bollywood films, tourist postcards, and the everyday memory of millions of citizens.

However, rising maintenance costs, operational inefficiencies, and a 15-year regulatory operational lifespan gradually led to the phasing out of the fleet. The final chapter came to an end in September 2023, when the last remaining non-air-conditioned double-decker was withdrawn from service.

Inside the Memorial Bus
The newly launched ‘Smarak Bus’ has been creatively redesigned to serve as an interactive exhibit. Visitors to the Anik depot will be able to access both decks of the bus. Informational displays detail its historical significance, architectural design, and social role.

A high-definition LCD screen has been installed on the lower deck, which plays archival footage and audio-visual content about the bus’s operational years, offering a rich multi-sensory experience for younger generations who never had the chance to ride these buses.

From engineering design to its role in cinema, the exhibits aim to present a holistic picture of how the double-decker bus influenced not just urban mobility but also Mumbai’s cultural fabric.

BEST Day to Mark Formal Launch
The official public unveiling of the ‘Memorial Bus’ is scheduled to take place on August 7, during the annual celebration of BEST Day. The event will mark a ceremonial tribute to the legacy of the red double-deckers, with several senior officials, including personnel from the transport and heritage departments, expected to attend.

The initiative was overseen by Yatin Pimple, Assistant Director of the Personnel Department at BEST. Speaking about the transformation, officials noted that the idea stemmed from a desire to let the vehicle "live on" as a heritage artifact that can continue to educate and inspire.

Community and Cultural Significance
Beyond nostalgia, the Memorial Bus underscores the importance of preserving urban history in the face of modernization. With electric buses and modern AC fleets taking over, the old double-deckers had become obsolete. Yet, their cultural value remains timeless.

For many Mumbaikars, these buses weren’t just a means of commuting; they were part of daily life—offering unique vantage points from the upper deck, memories of monsoon rides, and a shared public experience.

The initiative aligns with a broader trend of urban preservation, where transport systems are recognized not just for their utility but also for their contribution to the identity and history of a city.

Looking Ahead
While Mumbai has now retired its non-AC double-deckers, it continues to operate a fleet of modern electric double-decker buses, aimed at combining the city’s heritage with contemporary sustainability goals.

With the launch of the Memorial Bus, BEST has managed to immortalize a key chapter of Mumbai’s public transport story, ensuring future generations will understand and appreciate the significance of this red giant that once ruled the roads.