Mumbai’s public transport network is set to get a timely boost as the city’s bus undertaking prepares to add 150 new wet lease buses to its fleet this week. The launch, expected to be held at the Colaba depot, marks a crucial step towards improving commuter convenience and reducing the city’s dependency on private vehicles amid rising traffic congestion and air pollution levels.
According to officials, the addition includes 115 buses from one private operator and 35 from another, both under long-term wet lease contracts. The inclusion comes at a time when the city’s bus fleet had fallen to a critical low of around 2,700 vehicles, causing extended waiting times and overcrowding across several routes. Commuters had been facing delays of up to 45 minutes during peak hours, particularly in the suburbs and densely populated corridors. The new buses are expected to ease this pressure and enhance service reliability. Sources confirmed that earlier delays in delivery had stemmed from battery-related technical issues, now resolved. With these buses joining the network, authorities aim to restore optimal service frequency and reconnect areas that have been underserved due to fleet shortages.
Officials said that the expansion aligns with Mumbai’s larger vision of developing an inclusive, sustainable, and carbon-neutral urban mobility system. Public transport experts believe the decision will contribute significantly to reducing vehicular emissions and improving last-mile connectivity—key challenges that have persisted despite ongoing metro and suburban railway upgrades. In the longer term, the city is also exploring an accelerated shift towards an all-electric fleet. The undertaking has already been inducting electric buses in phases, aiming to replace diesel-powered vehicles over the next few years. Transport experts suggest that strategic partnerships with private operators through wet lease models are enabling faster adoption of cleaner technologies while managing financial risks.
For commuters, the focus now is on improved punctuality and comfort. Many routes are likely to see frequency restoration in the coming weeks, and officials hinted that some new buses will be deployed on longer routes to enhance inter-suburban connectivity. The undertaking is also evaluating the integration of digital tracking tools to monitor bus performance, enhance real-time passenger information, and optimise route planning. While this expansion may not immediately solve the chronic congestion on Mumbai’s roads, it represents a vital investment in public mobility and sustainability. Strengthening the city’s bus network remains essential for lowering carbon emissions, ensuring equitable access to affordable transport, and promoting a cleaner, more liveable Mumbai.
Mumbai Expands Public Bus Fleet With 150 New Eco-Friendly Buses
