Mumbai’s public transport landscape may see a crucial inflection point as the newly constituted 16-member committee of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking takes charge. The panel, sworn in on Monday, represents the first full governing body in four years and has identified fleet revival as a strategic priority amid declining operational capacity.
BEST currently operates only 249 buses directly out of a total fleet of 2,767, with the remainder managed through wet-lease operators. A senior official highlighted that this arrangement has constrained route flexibility, affected last-mile connectivity, and limited integration with other public transport modes, including the Metro, Monorail, and suburban rail networks. The committee chairperson emphasised the need to increase the owned fleet to 3,337 buses, aligning with commitments to labour unions. Plans under discussion involve securing substantial funding through the forthcoming civic budget scheduled for February 25, with negotiations ongoing with both the state government and the municipal corporation. The panel’s first operational meeting is expected on February 26.
A central focus is re-evaluating the use of 7-metre mini buses, which were introduced a decade ago to connect suburban railway stations with commercial and residential nodes. While these smaller buses were easier to manoeuvre on congested roads, recent electric bus procurements favour 9-metre and 12-metre models, complicating the reintroduction of more compact vehicles. Urban planners note that integrating smaller buses could enhance efficiency on narrow streets and improve accessibility for commuters in densely populated corridors. Committee members are also exploring infrastructure solutions to support fleet expansion. Depots and parking spaces are under strain, limiting operational scalability. Officials stress that dedicated parking facilities and strategically located depots will be necessary to sustain a larger, diversified bus fleet while avoiding urban congestion and land-use conflicts.
In addition to fleet augmentation, the panel has pledged to address the welfare of retired BEST employees, including pending gratuity and pension dues estimated at ₹450 crore. Financial and operational stability are seen as key to maintaining labour morale and service reliability. Urban transport analysts note that the committee’s approach reflects a broader push for integrated, climate-resilient urban mobility. Fleet expansion, combined with seamless connectivity to mass transit systems, can reduce reliance on private vehicles, lower emissions, and improve equitable access to public transport across the city.
The committee’s early initiatives will be closely watched by civic authorities, commuters, and industry experts, as they set the tone for the future of Mumbai’s public bus network. Effective funding, route optimisation, and infrastructure upgrades are expected to determine whether BEST can reverse years of fleet decline and service limitations.
BEST Undertaking Mumbai Aims To Expand Buses And Routes
