BEST inducts 157 electric buses into its fleet, to have low-floor entry, accessibility ramps

According to BEST officials, the new air-conditioned electric buses will serve nearly three lakh passengers daily and are equipped with low-floor entry, accessibility ramps, and modern commuter facilities.

The initiative is part of the state’s phased plan to electrify the entire BEST fleet over the next few years.

Speaking at the event, Shinde said the new additions symbolised “a turning point in Mumbai’s transport evolution.”

“We are determined to make all buses in the fleet environmentally friendly in stages. This is not just an improvement in transport—it is a green step in Mumbai’s development,” he said.

Shinde said the state government was committed to supporting BEST’s modernisation.

“During earlier administrations, the BEST service struggled, but we have given it a new lease of life. The government has already provided Rs 3,400 crore in financial assistance and has made an additional provision of Rs 1,000 crore this year,” he said.

Officials said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will continue to assist BEST in depot infrastructure, maintenance, and operational support.

“Public transport is rarely a profit-making venture,” Shinde said, adding “Our goal is to make it safe, efficient, and convenient for all citizens.”

He added that BEST employees will receive a Diwali bonus on par with BMC staff, recognising their contribution to the city’s transport system.

The government is also focusing on digital integration of services through the ‘Mumbai One’ mobile app, which will allow passengers to track buses in real time, use a single ticket across multiple modes of transport.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday directed the BEST Undertaking to ensure that non-fare box (NFB) income forms 40% of its total revenue, urging the agency to become financially self-reliant.

Fadnavis said that while there had been discussions on non-fare revenue, implementation had lagged.
“BEST should target 40% revenue from non-fare sources to achieve self-sustainability. It is the city’s lifeline, and we are adding 5,000 electric buses in phases,”the CM said.

BEST continues to depend heavily on BMC grants, which have exceeded Rs 3,400 crore in recent years. For 2025–26, another Rs 1,000 crore has been allocated, with Rs 500 crore already released. The state, however, wants BEST to create its own revenue-generation model through NFB measures.

Senior officials said a delegation will soon meet Union ministries in Delhi to discuss potential policies and funding schemes.

BEST General Manager Sonia Sethi said Mumbai needs 7,000 buses to meet demand. The undertaking currently runs 2,609 buses, including 298 owned and the rest on lease.