Mumbai News: The city’s public transport network could receive a major boost as the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking plans to induct 1,500 new air-conditioned midi buses, supported by financial assistance from the Central government.
According to a report in The Times of India, the proposed buses are expected to serve primarily as feeder services for Mumbai’s expanding Metro network, improving last-mile connectivity for commuters as new Metro corridors become operational.
Officials said the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries will provide a subsidy for the procurement of the new buses. The addition forms part of BEST’s broader strategy to expand and modernise its fleet while meeting the growing transport needs of the city.
The 1,500 midi buses will be inducted under a 12-year wet lease model and are expected to play a key role in linking residential areas with Metro stations.
Part Of Larger Fleet Expansion Plan
The proposed procurement is separate from BEST’s ongoing programme to induct 4,500 air-conditioned electric buses.
Of these, 774 electric buses are already in operation, while around 3,700 more are expected to join the fleet by the end of the current financial year. Two additional contractors are also scheduled to supply another 100 and 150 buses respectively.
To speed up the expansion, BEST has revised timelines under six wet lease agreements, aiming to induct at least 2,500 electric buses during the current financial year.
Although officials acknowledged delays and contractual challenges, they said efforts are being made to address these issues and avoid disruption to commuter services.
Fleet Size To Grow Significantly
BEST’s operational fleet has now crossed 2,800 buses after remaining close to the 2,700-mark for nearly a year. The undertaking expects to add another 500 to 1,000 buses over the coming months and hopes to take the fleet beyond 3,000 by the end of the year.
If planned procurements and deliveries remain on schedule, BEST aims to expand its fleet to 7,000 buses by 2027, nearly two-and-a-half times its present strength.
Officials believe the larger fleet will improve service frequency and reliability for Mumbai’s growing commuter population.
Focus On Financial Sustainability
Alongside expanding its fleet, BEST is also exploring ways to strengthen its financial position through non-fare revenue sources.
Plans are being considered to redevelop bus depots for commercial purposes, in line with directions from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to increase non-farebox revenue to 40%.
Officials said the combined approach of expanding the electric and feeder bus network while generating additional revenue would help improve BEST’s financial stability. The strategy is also expected to enhance service quality and address long-standing operational and staffing challenges, while supporting Mumbai’s evolving public transport infrastructure.
