According to a report by The Indian Express, women from the Koli community have alleged that they are denied entry to BEST buses when travelling with fish. They also claim that they sometimes face difficulties even when carrying items other than fish. The allegations have raised concerns about access to public transport in a city where fish is an important part of local diets and the fishing trade supports the livelihoods of numerous families.
The women said some bus conductors stop them at the entrance, reportedly citing complaints about the smell of fish and the discomfort it could cause other passengers. They questioned why they should be prevented from using public transport when they play a significant role in supplying fish to markets across Mumbai. For many of them, travelling by bus is not only convenient but also essential for keeping their business expenses low.
The Koli community is counted among Mumbai’s earliest inhabitants. Traditionally, men from the community went out to sea to catch fish, while women took responsibility for selling the catch in markets. However, land reclamation along coastal areas, construction activities and infrastructure development have affected fishing activities in the city’s creeks.
As a result, many women now purchase fish brought in by trawlers at major markets such as Sassoon Dock and transport it to different parts of the city for sale. The report mentions that Sassoon Dock handles approximately 150 tonnes of fish and seafood every day. Around 80% of this fish is sold and transported to various markets across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Seventy-year-old Sita Kamalcha recalled her earlier experiences travelling on BEST buses. She said that decades ago, she would travel with her mother from the Bhoiwada fish market in Parel to Khar Danda. The journey took around an hour, and the fare was four annas, equivalent to 25 paise. Today, a similar journey costs approximately Rs 30.
However, the women’s concerns extend beyond rising fares. They said they now face uncertainty over whether they will be allowed to board a bus at all, making it more difficult to plan their daily journeys and carry out their work.
Amid the allegations, the BEST administration has clarified that people involved in the fish trade are permitted to travel by bus under the rules, provided they carry fish in appropriate containers. According to a senior BEST official, restrictions may be imposed when large baskets leak water or cause inconvenience to other passengers.
The administration’s position is that any action should be based on the inconvenience caused during the journey rather than a passenger’s profession. However, the women have claimed that they are sometimes forced off buses even when they are not carrying fish.
Sixty-year-old Lata Kunde alleged that around two months ago, she was forced to get off an A-200 bus while returning home. According to her, the staff threw the contents of her basket out without checking what it contained. The basket held glass bangles, a purse and other personal belongings rather than fish.
Her allegation has brought further attention to questions about whether rules intended to maintain cleanliness and passenger comfort are being applied equally to everyone using public transport.
The BEST administration said a 24-hour helpline is available for passenger complaints. Complaint boxes have also been placed at bus terminals, allowing passengers to report inappropriate behaviour by staff. Officials said an employee could receive a warning following a first complaint. If the misconduct is repeated, disciplinary action, including suspension for one to two days, may be taken depending on the seriousness of the case.
BEST Committee chairperson Trishna Vishwasrao said everyone has the right to use public transport, regardless of their profession or income. She assured that the matter would be examined if such incidents were taking place.
The allegations have highlighted the challenges faced by Mumbai’s Koli women as they transport fish to markets across the city. While BEST maintains that passengers can travel with fish in appropriate containers, the women’s accounts raise questions about how these rules are enforced and whether workers dependent on public transport are being treated fairly.
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