Ashish Majithia, Founder and CEO of Nextkraft Parking Technologies, and Navin Rajagopalan, Director of City Lifts India Limited, say seamless mobility between transit hubs and workplaces remains critical for higher public transport adoption.
The launch of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s BKC Weekly Public Transport Day has renewed attention on a long standing urban mobility challenge in Mumbai, improving last mile connectivity for daily commuters.
While the initiative aims to encourage a shift from private vehicles to public transport, feedback from office goers in Bandra Kurla Complex suggests that access between major transit stations and workplaces remains a significant hurdle. Commuters have pointed to limited feeder services, long walking distances and insufficient mobility options as reasons for continuing to rely on private vehicles.
As one of Mumbai’s largest commercial districts, BKC receives nearly two lakh commuters every day. Despite investments in metro, rail and road infrastructure, the connection between transport hubs and final destinations continues to influence commuting choices.
One daily commuter to BKC said, “The initiative is a step in the right direction, but last mile connectivity remains a challenge. Reaching the office from the station can be time consuming, especially during peak hours. Better feeder services and seamless connectivity will encourage more people to choose public transport over private vehicles.”
Urban mobility specialists say improving commuter adoption requires a combination of infrastructure planning, technology integration and accessibility focused design.
Ashish Majithia, Founder and CEO of Nextkraft Parking Technologies, said, “The success of any public transport initiative ultimately depends on how efficiently commuters can complete the first and last leg of their journey. While Mumbai has made remarkable progress in expanding metro and rail networks, last mile connectivity continues to be the missing link. Smart mobility ecosystems must integrate parking, feeder transportation, pedestrian infrastructure, and digital mobility solutions into a single commuter experience. Automated parking systems near transit hubs can also play a significant role by enabling park and ride models that encourage people to leave their vehicles at designated locations and complete their journey through public transport.”
According to industry observers, public transport adoption depends not only on mass transit investments but also on how effectively people can access stations and complete the final stage of their journey.
Navin Rajagopalan, Director of City Lifts India Limited, said, “As Mumbai’s commercial districts continue to densify, mobility infrastructure must evolve beyond roads and transit lines. Vertical mobility, pedestrian circulation, and access between transport nodes and workplaces are becoming critical now. Smart elevators, escalators, skywalk integrations, and efficient people movement systems can substantially improve commuter experiences within high density business districts such as BKC. The future isn’t just about moving people across the city but it’s about designing an uninterrupted journey from station to workplace work as one seamless system.”
Khetsi Barot, Managing Director of The Guardians Real Estate Advisory, said the response to the initiative highlights the importance of stronger integration between transport systems and commuter infrastructure.
“BKC has evolved into one of India’s most important business districts, attracting thousands of professionals and visitors every day. Initiatives such as the Weekly Public Transport Day are important as they encourage greater adoption of public mobility solutions and help reduce congestion in a high density commercial hub. However, the response to such initiatives also highlights the importance of strengthening last mile connectivity, which remains a key factor influencing commuting choices. For public transport usage to increase meaningfully, the journey must be seamless from start to finish. Better integration between metro stations, bus networks, pedestrian infrastructure, and last mile transport options will be crucial in enhancing commuter convenience. A well connected business district not only improves accessibility and employee experience but also contributes to higher productivity, sustainability, and the long term competitiveness of the city.”
Experts believe that future infrastructure projects, including expanded metro connectivity and proposed mobility improvements in BKC, offer an opportunity to address these concerns more effectively. However, they note that long term success will depend on integrated planning that prioritises commuter convenience, accessibility and efficient movement across every stage of the journey.
The experience of BKC’s Public Transport Day has reinforced a broader urban mobility lesson for Mumbai. The effectiveness of public transport networks will increasingly depend on how easily commuters can travel between stations and their final destinations.
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