Mumbai’s BEST Fleet Gets 5,000 Electric Buses Soon

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that Mumbai’s BEST fleet is set to receive 5,000 new electric buses within the next six to eight months. This significant expansion aims to alleviate the persistent bus and driver shortages currently impacting the city’s public transport system.

The minister confirmed that the growing population of Mumbai has intensified the demand for public bus services, rather than a reduction in existing routes. Sarnaik acknowledged public frustration, specifically citing concerns about long queues and service gaps in key areas like BKC.

Addressing Fleet Shortages

• 5,000 new electric buses will join the BEST fleet.
• Implementation is expected within six to eight months.
• The decision follows discussions with BEST union representatives.

This initiative aligns with BEST’s broader strategic objective to transition its entire fleet to electric vehicles by 2027. However, this goal has encountered previous hurdles with delays in past orders.

Previous Delivery Challenges

• Earlier orders included 4,750 single-decker AC electric buses and 200 double-decker electric buses.
• Supply-side constraints from contractors caused significant delivery delays.
• Currently, only 938 buses, including 154 double-deckers, have been delivered.
• Remaining deliveries are staggered, anticipated across 2026 and 2027.

In addition to expanding the fleet, the state government is also focused on enhancing BEST’s infrastructure. New electric buses will be integrated into existing depots to support the operational increase.

Commuters, particularly those in high-traffic zones, are closely observing the implementation of these new assurances. Service gaps during peak hours have been a recurring challenge for the city’s public transport users.

Key Numbers

• New electric buses: 5,000
• Delivery timeframe: 6-8 months
• Buses received from previous orders: 938
• BEST’s fully electric fleet target: 2027