Mumbai’s public transport network is set for a major upgrade as the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertakes an ambitious expansion. The transport authority has signed an agreement with Delhi-based PMI Electro Mobility Solutions to add 250 electric buses to the city’s fleet. This agreement marks PMI’s first collaboration with BEST for the supply of electric buses in Mumbai.
The new fleet of 12-metre-long electric buses will be delivered in phases over the next three months, significantly enhancing the city’s public transport options. This initiative aligns with the Central Government’s PM E-Drive program, which aims to promote clean energy and allocate a substantial portion of its INR 10,900-crore budget to public transport. By 2026, 40% of this budget will be directed towards transforming public transportation systems across India, making this project a key part of that vision.
Under the terms of the agreement, PMI will own the buses, while BEST will manage their operations under a wet-lease model. This model has gained traction in many cities as a means of quickly increasing the number of vehicles on the road without requiring the transport authority to make large upfront investments. PMI’s electric buses come equipped with fast-charging capabilities, taking just 30 to 40 minutes to fully charge. With a range of up to 180 kilometres on a single charge, these buses are expected to be a significant addition to Mumbai’s transport infrastructure. PMI, which has previously operated electric buses in Nagpur, is now expanding its footprint into Mumbai, bolstering the city’s shift towards sustainable public transport.
BEST has also signed contracts with other manufacturers to address the city’s ongoing bus shortages, which have occasionally led to route closures. Olectra, another major electric vehicle manufacturer, has committed to delivering 2,400 buses, further strengthening the push for greener and more efficient transportation. To meet the growing demand for reliable public transit, BEST has also struck deals for other types of buses, including 700 double-decker buses from Causis Company, 200 CNG buses from Mateshwari Company, 2,100 electric buses from Olectra, and 200 double-decker electric buses from Switch Mobility. Currently, out of BEST’s total fleet of 2,940 buses, 1,836 are operated by contractors, as the authority’s owned fleet has steadily declined over the years. This has led to an increased reliance on contractors to maintain and expand operations. Through these various partnerships and fleet expansions, BEST aims to improve service availability and meet the increasing demand for public transport services across Mumbai.
