The Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has announced an ambitious plan to achieve a 100% electric fleet by 2026-27. Unveiling its budget estimate for the fiscal year 2025-26, the entity proposed a financial outlay of ₹9,439.56 crore, requesting ₹2,132.52 crore in support from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This initiative marks a significant leap towards sustainable urban mobility.
BEST aims to expand its fleet to 8,000 electric buses by 2027, a bold move for an organisation grappling with mounting financial losses. The undertaking incurred a loss of ₹1,600 crore last year, which has now surged to ₹2,083 crore. Despite this, BEST has committed to a transformative agenda, with plans to electrify half its fleet by 2025-26. Currently, its fleet comprises 3,166 buses, of which 2,081 are on a wet lease. Opposition voices, however, have raised concerns over the feasibility of this strategy. Ravi Raja, a seasoned BEST committee member, emphasised the challenges of scaling the fleet to 8,000 buses within the stipulated timeframe, given the operational and logistical hurdles. He also underscored the need for structural reforms, improved service delivery, and reduced dependence on private contractors.
A key highlight of the proposal is the introduction of the ‘tap-in, tap-out’ fare system aimed at modernising ticketing and enhancing passenger convenience. This move aligns with BEST’s broader objective of making public transport more eco-friendly and technologically advanced, catering to a daily ridership of 35 lakh. While BEST’s green vision is commendable, its execution will require meticulous planning, coordination with the BMC, and financial prudence. The roadmap to sustainability promises to redefine Mumbai’s public transport landscape, but the journey ahead is fraught with challenges.
