In a major boost to Mumbai’s public transport network, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) added 503 new air-conditioned electric buses to its fleet on Friday in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
According to a BEST spokesperson, these buses have been procured on a wet lease under a contractual agreement with EV Trans. This addition is part of BEST’s broader plan to introduce 2,100 electric buses this year, with another 2,400 to be added in 2025. The undertaking aims to fully electrify its fleet by 2027.
Before the inclusion of these new buses, BEST operated 2,783 buses, of which 875 were electric. The target is to scale up to 7,000 buses to meet the growing public transport demand in Mumbai.
Focus on Modernisation and Revenue Generation
As part of the ceremony, the Chief Minister and Deputy CM also flagged off a new bus route between Vikhroli and Mumbai Central. CM Fadnavis stressed the importance of enhancing commuter experience by installing GPS systems across all BEST buses to enable passengers to track bus locations and estimated arrival times, and recommended collaboration with Google for real-time tracking.
During the discussions, the CM emphasized the need to modernize buses and improve commuter facilities, while also focusing on developing BEST’s independent revenue sources. He suggested renting out plots at Bandra, Dindoshi, and Deonar bus depots during their redevelopment, allowing the construction of commercial spaces, residential complexes, and integrated bus terminals to boost BEST’s income.
He also recommended that smaller, technologically advanced buses be procured, considering Mumbai’s narrow roads. Funding for this initiative, he said, could come from the Central Government’s National Clean Air Policy.
Single Ticket for Metro, Local Train, Mono Rail and BEST
Highlighting the need for seamless travel, CM Fadnavis proposed the development of a single mobility platform allowing passengers to travel across local trains, metro, monorail, and BEST buses with one ticket. To reduce BEST’s financial burden, he also suggested that the BMC reserve 3% of its budget for transport initiatives.
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde emphasized the coordination between Metro stations and BEST bus routes, stressing the need for smaller, modern buses tailored to Mumbai’s infrastructure. He also suggested utilizing BEST-owned land in Mumbai for revenue generation.
