BEST Revamps Driver Training After Fatal Crash
In a decisive move towards enhancing passenger safety, Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has introduced a comprehensive overhaul of its driver training protocols. This strategic shift comes in the wake of a tragic electric bus accident in Kurla West on 9 December 2023, which claimed nine lives and raised serious concerns about driver preparedness and operational safety.
Under the revised guidelines, all BEST drivers—including those employed directly and those engaged through wet lease operators—will now undergo an intensive 21-day training programme. For electric bus operators, the regimen includes an additional six days of specialised hands-on training, culminating in a mandatory driving assessment. These enhanced protocols are slated for implementation in February, pending the state government’s approval of a detailed report submitted by BEST outlining the causes of the Kurla accident and recommendations for systemic improvements. Previously, BEST’s driver training spanned merely three days, a duration widely criticised for its inadequacy in equipping drivers with the necessary skills to handle Mumbai’s complex traffic conditions.
The revamped curriculum adopts a more holistic approach, blending theoretical instruction with rigorous practical training. Theoretical modules, lasting six to ten days, cover critical areas such as organisational policies, defensive driving techniques, blind spot awareness, fuel efficiency strategies, and stress management practices like meditation. Road safety and hygiene awareness are also integrated through multimedia presentations. Practical sessions will be conducted using five dedicated training buses across various BEST depots to ensure accessibility. Wet lease operators, whose drivers have often lacked prior bus-driving experience—having primarily operated trucks or multi-axle vehicles—have been mandated to provide an additional six to seven days of electric bus-specific training.
In the absence of a dedicated electric bus for training, this responsibility currently rests with the wet lease operators. However, the enhanced training protocols have met resistance from wet lease operators, primarily due to the escalating costs. Training fees, previously ranging from ₹300 to ₹500 per driver, have now surged to several thousand rupees. Despite these concerns, BEST maintains that the investment is critical to safeguarding lives and preventing future accidents. Furthermore, the frequency of refresher courses—previously conducted every 18 months—has been increased to ensure continuous driver competency. This comprehensive approach reflects BEST’s commitment to raising safety standards, fostering operational efficiency, and restoring public confidence in Mumbai’s public transport system.
