Do You Know When and Where the First Bus Ran in India

Imagine India without buses. Today, buses are everywhere—city roads, highways, and even the remotest corners of the country. They carry millions of people daily, connecting villages to cities and workers to jobs. But have you ever wondered when and where the very first bus ran in India? The answer takes us back to the early 20th century, to the bustling port city of Mumbai (then Bombay), where India witnessed the beginning of organized bus transport. This event was not only a milestone in Indian transportation but also a sign of how rapidly the country was moving toward modernization under colonial rule.

Let’s explore the fascinating story of India’s first bus, its journey, and how it shaped the future of travel in the country.

1. The Year Was 1926

The first bus service in India started on 15 July 1926. At that time, automobiles were still rare, and most people relied on horse-drawn carriages, trams, or walking. The introduction of a bus was revolutionary—it promised speed, efficiency, and affordability for the growing working-class population in Bombay. The service was launched by the Bombay Electric Supply and Transport Company (BEST), which would later become one of the most iconic transport providers in the country.

2. The First Route: Afghan Church to Crawford Market

The very first bus in India ran between Afghan Church in Colaba and Crawford Market (now Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market). This route was carefully chosen because it connected a residential area in South Bombay with the bustling commercial hub of the city. Workers, traders, and shoppers quickly began to see the value of this new mode of travel. The distance of about 3.8 miles (6 kilometers) was covered in roughly 45 minutes, which at that time was considered very efficient.

3. Ticket Prices and Passenger Experience

The fare for the first bus ride was 4 annas (25 paise). Compared to other forms of transport available at the time, it was affordable and accessible for middle- and working-class citizens. The bus could carry around 24 passengers. Wooden seats, minimal comfort, and open ventilation defined the design—but for people in 1926, it was nothing short of modern luxury. The response from the public was overwhelming. Within a few months, the demand for more buses and expanded routes grew rapidly.

4. Expansion of Bus Services in Bombay

Following the success of the first route, BEST quickly added more buses and extended services to other parts of the city. By the end of 1926, 24 buses were operating in Bombay on several routes. Areas like Dadar, Sion, and Byculla soon became connected, making travel faster and easier for daily commuters. The rapid expansion also meant that buses began competing with trams, which were already popular. However, buses provided flexibility, as they didn’t require fixed tracks like trams.

5. The Growth of Bus Services in India

After Bombay’s success, other Indian cities quickly followed.

• Calcutta (now Kolkata) introduced its first bus service in the late 1920s.

• Madras (now Chennai) began in the 1930s.

• Delhi adopted buses around the same time, eventually forming the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).

By the 1940s and 1950s, buses had become a common sight across India, transforming urban mobility.

6. How the First Bus Changed Indian Society

The introduction of buses in India was not just about transportation—it was about social transformation.

• It gave working-class citizens affordable access to jobs and markets.

• It reduced dependence on horse-drawn carriages and trams.

• It encouraged urban expansion, as people could now live farther from their workplaces.

Buses democratized travel, making it possible for people from all walks of life to share the same space and move together.

7. Modern-Day BEST Buses

Today, the BEST buses of Mumbai are still an iconic part of the city’s culture. With red double-deckers, electric buses, and smart ticketing systems, BEST has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 1926. While traffic jams and urban challenges remain, buses continue to serve as the lifeline of Indian cities.

FAQs

Q1: When did the first bus run in India?
The first bus ran on 15 July 1926 in Bombay (now Mumbai).

Q2: What was the first bus route in India?
It ran between Afghan Church, Colaba, and Crawford Market.

Q3: Who introduced the first bus in India?
The first bus service was launched by the Bombay Electric Supply and Transport Company (BEST).

Q4: What was the ticket price of the first bus ride?
The fare was 4 annas (25 paise) per ride.

Q5: How did buses change India?
Buses transformed urban life by making travel affordable, connecting different parts of cities, and encouraging urban expansion.

Conclusion

The story of India’s first bus is not just about a vehicle running on the streets—it is about the start of a transportation revolution. From that first ride in 1926 between Colaba and Crawford Market, buses became an inseparable part of Indian life. Today, with modern fleets, eco-friendly electric buses, and smart systems, India’s bus network continues to grow, but the memory of that first ride still holds historical importance. It reminds us how even the smallest steps in transportation can lead to massive changes in society.

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