BEST Plans Major Investment in Electric Buses to Reduce Wet-Lease Dependence
The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has announced a significant investment plan to acquire 5,000 self-owned electric buses. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to operate a fleet of 10,000 buses in Mumbai over the next two to three years. The move represents a shift from the current wet-lease model, which has been predominant in recent years. According to General Manager Sonia Sethi, the undertaking currently relies more on wet-lease buses than on those owned by the transport utility. The transition will require an estimated investment of Rs 6,500 crore, with financing options including government assistance and internal resource mobilization. This plan follows directives from Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and aims to restore the operating model where BEST owned, maintained, and operated its buses with a permanent workforce. 
