Mumbai Introduces 12 Metre Electric Buses Under BEST PMI Partnership
Mumbai has taken another decisive step towards sustainable mobility with the introduction of 12-metre electric buses under a partnership between the city’s transport undertaking and a private manufacturer. The initiative is part of a wider effort to create a cleaner, safer, and more equitable public transport network in India’s financial capital.
Officials confirmed that the new fleet will be deployed across busy corridors where commuter demand is highest, replacing diesel buses that have long contributed to both pollution and congestion. The electric buses are expected to cut noise and emissions substantially, improving air quality in a city struggling with rising pollution levels and traffic density.The vehicles are designed to offer modern commuter comfort while aligning with global standards of safety and sustainability. Each bus will include air-conditioning, GPS-enabled tracking, low-floor accessibility, and wide entry points to serve differently abled passengers, senior citizens, and children more effectively. Energy-efficient systems and advanced batteries will ensure longer range while reducing operating costs.
Transport experts note that the introduction of these buses underlines Mumbai’s gradual but consistent shift towards a net-zero urban transport model. Electric mobility in public transport not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also strengthens the city’s resilience against climate change impacts. Given Mumbai’s coastal vulnerability and dense urban fabric, such measures are seen as crucial to safeguarding public health and creating a more liveable environment.
Authorities also highlighted that the collaboration between the municipal transport undertaking and the private operator will support long-term maintenance and ensure consistent service quality. With the new fleet, commuters can expect reduced waiting times, smoother rides, and enhanced safety features.The electric buses are being introduced at a time when several Indian cities are accelerating their transition to green fleets under national programmes that encourage adoption of clean mobility. For Mumbai, the initiative complements ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including metro expansions and suburban rail modernisation, to create a multi-modal public transport ecosystem that is both sustainable and inclusive.
Urban mobility specialists stress that equitable access is a key pillar of this project. By designing buses that cater to all sections of society, from office-goers to schoolchildren, the city aims to make public transport the preferred choice over private vehicles, thereby easing congestion and reducing carbon output further.As Mumbai adds electric buses to its fleet, the move reflects a larger vision to build an eco-friendly city that balances economic dynamism with sustainable growth. For millions of daily commuters, this shift could mark the beginning of quieter, cleaner, and more comfortable journeys.
