The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking, the planned acquisition of 700 air-conditioned double decker buses has been scrapped after a prolonged delay and failure to receive a single unit.
The decision, announced on Wednesday, adds to the challenges faced by BEST in augmenting its bus fleet to meet escalating passenger demands. With the existing fleet of 3,040 buses falling short of the required capacity, the cancellation of the contract further exacerbates the transportation woes in Mumbai. The contract, which entailed the wet lease of twin-deck buses at a competitive rate of Rs 56 per kilometre, was initially pursued by BEST due to its cost-effectiveness compared to prevailing market rates. However, the termination of the contract poses both financial and operational risks for BEST, as it grapples with the need to explore alternative procurement avenues amidst rising passenger demand. While the cancellation avoids potential liabilities associated with a non-performing contract, it also necessitates the initiation of a fresh tender process, entailing additional time, resources, and uncertainties.
Meanwhile, BEST’s ongoing partnership with another agency for electric AC double deckers remains unaffected, with 50 out of the total 200 ordered units already delivered. Praised for their popularity on key routes, including those to prominent business districts like Churchgate and Nariman Point, the electric double deckers have demonstrated promising ridership and operational efficiency. Despite the partial success of the electric double decker initiative, concerns linger over the adequacy of the current fleet size, particularly in alleviating passenger congestion and reducing waiting times at bus stops. Persistent delays in the arrival of additional buses have led to overcrowding and inconvenience for commuters, highlighting the urgency for swift remedial actions.
Former BEST committee members and activists have voiced frustrations over the stagnant fleet size, urging expedited delivery of the remaining 150 AC double decker buses to address pressing transportation needs. As commuters endure prolonged waits and overcrowded buses, the impetus is on BEST to prioritise fleet augmentation initiatives and enhance service reliability to meet the evolving needs of Mumbai’s commuters.
