The Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) has requested an additional Rs 679 crore in its 2025-26 budget from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to modernize its aging bus fleet. This proposal includes replacing 510 outdated buses with 273 single decker and 237 mini air conditioned electric buses.
If approved, the total grant for BEST from the BMC would reach Rs 2,812 crore. The organization is aiming to make more than half of its fleet electric by 2025-26 with plans to fully transition to electric buses by 2026-27. Currently, BEST operates a fleet of 3,166 buses of which 2,081 are on wet lease. It has already received 205 of the 2,100 single decker electric buses ordered while 50 double decker electric buses out of a planned 1,200 are operational. An additional 2,650 single decker electric buses have also been ordered.
However, these ambitious plans are overshadowed by mounting financial challenges. BEST is projecting a transport division deficit of Rs 2,132 crore for 2025-26 with its overall liabilities including loans, losses and borrowings soaring to Rs 9,286 crore, a sharp increase from Rs 6,400 crore two years ago.
Delays in fund disbursement have further strained finances. Out of the Rs 928 crore allocated by the BMC in FY 2024-25, only Rs 800 crore was released for infrastructure while the remaining Rs 128 crore meant for electric bus procurement remains unpaid. Officials warn that such delays could disrupt fleet expansion plans.
To improve efficiency, BEST is also introducing a digital bus platform with “tap-in tap-out” systems, driver consoles and video auditing tools. Additionally, its electricity department has proposed upgrades such as advanced distribution management systems and operational technology integration.
Despite the challenges, BEST remains committed to a zero-emission future highlighting the importance of timely funding and operational enhancements to meet its ambitious goals.
