A Mumbai civic transport organisation has called for concrete measures to revive the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport undertaking, raising concerns over the declining number of BEST-owned buses, growing reliance on contractors, staff shortages and the expanding role of outsourced services.
The organisation, ‘Aapli BEST Aaplyach Sathi’, said BEST remains a backbone of Mumbai’s public transport system but is gradually becoming more dependent on contractual arrangements. Its concerns cover several parts of the undertaking’s operations, including buses, manpower and ticketing systems.
According to the organisation, the reduction in BEST’s own fleet and the increasing use of contractor-operated buses could weaken the public transport undertaking’s ability to manage and sustain its services. It has questioned whether the current direction could eventually take BEST towards complete privatisation.
The organisation also raised concerns over the manner in which the transition to electric buses is being implemented. While it acknowledged the need for environment-friendly public transport, it said the move to electric mobility should not result in a further reduction in BEST’s owned fleet or greater dependence on contracted buses.
BEST’s financial position and shortage of personnel were also identified as issues requiring attention. The organisation said the undertaking needs a revival plan that strengthens its public transport role rather than expanding contractual arrangements across its operations.
The concerns come as public transport systems face pressure to modernise fleets, control operating costs and shift towards cleaner vehicles. For Mumbai passengers, the ownership and operating model can affect how services are planned, maintained and managed, although the report does not provide current fleet totals, contractor numbers or details of a specific BEST decision.
The organisation has called for a review of the current approach and for concrete steps to secure BEST’s future as a public transport undertaking. The report does not include a response from BEST or the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to the allegations and demands.
