Mumbai’s public transport system is undergoing a significant transformation as the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking accelerates its efforts to enhance commuter comfort and sustainability.
In a bold move, the city’s public transport provider has launched 54 new air-conditioned (AC) buses across several key routes, with a plan to introduce more than 100 additional buses in the coming months. This ambitious expansion aims to not only improve daily commuting for millions but also reduce the carbon footprint of public transport in the city. The 54 new AC buses are the latest addition to BEST’s growing fleet, bringing much-needed relief to Mumbaikars during the scorching summer months. With air-conditioned buses already in operation on select routes, the introduction of these new vehicles marks an important step in bridging the service gaps in various parts of the city. These buses are designed to cater to both the comfort of passengers and the city’s sustainability goals. The new fleet additions have been made possible through a partnership with Olectra, a leading electric vehicle manufacturer. Recently, the company delivered a total of 160 electric buses to BEST, contributing to the city’s efforts to modernise its public transport system. These electric buses, which are part of a long-term agreement between BEST and Olectra, are expected to significantly reduce Mumbai’s dependence on fossil fuel-based transportation, aligning with the city’s commitment to achieving a zero-net carbon footprint.
Under the terms of the contract, Olectra is set to supply over 2,100 electric buses, with a monthly delivery target of 100 air-conditioned buses. When fully inducted into service, these buses will not only reduce the operational costs for BEST but also play a crucial role in lowering emissions and reducing air pollution. This initiative is part of the city’s broader vision to build eco-friendly, gender-neutral, and equitable urban spaces that cater to the diverse needs of its population. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in ensuring the smooth and timely deployment of the newly inducted buses. At present, around 120 buses are parked at the Kurla and Ghatkopar depots, awaiting completion of revised driver training protocols. The updated guidelines now mandate a comprehensive 28-day training programme at the Dindoshi Depot for newly hired drivers, a process that has caused delays in getting the buses on the road. Currently, 38 drivers have started their training, and another 32 are expected to finish soon. Once the training is completed, these buses will be deployed on additional routes, further expanding the coverage of AC buses in Mumbai. In the past week, a total of 30 new AC buses were introduced on popular routes such as A-7, A-511, and RC-53, enhancing connectivity for commuters in suburban areas. The latest round of expansions, which began on April 1, has added 24 more buses to routes including A-340, connecting Ghatkopar Station (West) to Agarkar Chowk, and A-422, which links Vikhroli Depot to Bandra Bus Station (West). These new routes aim to cater to the increasing demand for comfortable, air-conditioned public transport, especially in areas where services have been inconsistent or sparse.
The focus of the ongoing expansion is primarily on Mumbai’s northeastern suburbs, an area that has long suffered from a shortage of reliable and efficient public transport options. By introducing additional buses on these routes, BEST hopes to reduce the dependency on private vehicles, ease traffic congestion, and improve the overall commuter experience. The city’s public transport infrastructure is being modernised not only to meet current demand but also to anticipate future growth, ensuring that it remains responsive to the evolving needs of the population. From a sustainability perspective, the shift towards electric buses represents a crucial step towards a cleaner and greener Mumbai. The transition from diesel-powered buses to electric vehicles will significantly reduce the city’s overall carbon emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a more liveable urban environment. Furthermore, the introduction of air-conditioned buses will help make public transport more appealing to a wider demographic, including women, senior citizens, and families, thereby promoting inclusivity and equal access to city-wide transport services. The success of this initiative will depend on various factors, including the timely completion of driver training and the efficient integration of these new buses into the existing network. However, if implemented as planned, this fleet expansion could prove to be a game-changer for Mumbai’s public transport system, setting a new standard for comfort, sustainability, and connectivity in one of the world’s most densely populated cities.
As the city continues to grow and face new challenges, investments in eco-friendly, reliable, and accessible transport solutions will be key to shaping a future that works for all Mumbaikars. The ongoing expansion of the AC bus fleet by BEST not only promises to improve the daily commute for millions but also demonstrates Mumbai’s commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable urban transport system for generations to come.
Mumbai Expands AC Bus Fleet with 54 New Buses
