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Mumbai's Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has expanded its fleet by adding 157 air-conditioned electric buses as part of its plan to introduce 5,000 such vehicles in phases. Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis announced the addition at the Colaba depot, emphasizing the need for financial self-sufficiency through non-fare revenue. The initiative is aimed at reducing emissions, improving commuter comfort, and strengthening the city's transport network while aligning with Maharashtra's broader electric vehicle policy goals.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis recently inaugurated 157 new electric buses for Mumbai's BEST fleet at the Colaba depot. During the event, he highlighted that strengthening the city's bus network is essential to complement the metro and suburban railway systems. He also directed BEST's management to enhance financial independence by ensuring that at least 40% of total revenue is generated from non-fare sources, stressing that long-term sustainability depends on such diversification. Advertisement
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde said that the inclusion of these buses is an important move towards building an eco-friendly and comfortable urban transport system. He mentioned that nearly three lakh passengers use BEST services every day, and this expansion will directly improve their travel experience. Shinde added that the current government has injected INR 3,400 crore into the system and allocated an additional INR 1,000 crore this year to strengthen operations.
The newly added fleet includes 122 buses from PMI, hired on a wet lease through Mumbadevi Mobility Pvt Ltd, and 35 buses from Olectra, leased via EV Trans Maharashtra Pvt Ltd. Both PMI and Olectra are already part of BEST's network of the total 2,660-bus fleet, approximately 680 are from Olectra and around 20 from PMI.
Fadnavis reiterated that the government aims to induct 5,000 electric buses in phases, emphasizing that this initiative supports both environmental goals and modernization of Mumbai's transport system. He further explained that increasing non-fare income will involve using existing assets effectively, including redeveloping depots and renting out commercial spaces, to reduce operational dependence on government subsidies.
BEST, one of Mumbai's oldest public transport undertakings, has faced challenges in recent years such as a shrinking fleet, declining ridership, and high operational costs. The introduction of electric buses is expected to help the organization regain commuter trust and align with the state's 2022 EV policy, which targets 25% electrification of public bus fleets in key cities by 2025.
This expansion is part of a gradual transition towards a cleaner, more energy-efficient public transport network for Mumbai. The move also complements the government's broader efforts to lower carbon emissions and promote sustainable urban mobility across Maharashtra.
Source PTI
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