Mumbai's another lifeline, public bus transport system, has taken a step back. The contract for 700 AC double-decker buses, which had been delayed for over a year, is now cancelled. The announcement was made on Wednesday, April 24, by the city's transport authority, Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST).
The transport body has been facing challenges with its limited fleet of buses. So far, it has operated 3,040 buses to meet passenger demand. However, an additional 3,000 buses are required. The cancelled AC double-decker bus contract, as per TOI, offered the lowest lease cost of INR 56 per km.
This was one of the lowest rates in India, according to sources. Sources also suggest that insiders have warned that launching a new tender could involve risks and additional costs. In the meantime, BEST's second contract with a different agency is still active. This agency has already delivered 50 of the 200 electric AC double-deckers ordered.
These buses are being called a success in South Mumbai, especially those heading to Nariman Point, Churchgate, and Cuffe Parade. They arrive every three minutes, particularly on the Nariman Point route.
Despite the positive response, former BEST officials and campaigners have raised concerns. They note that the fleet of AC double-decker buses has remained at fifty for more than three months. Calls for the delivery of the remaining 150 buses have been made.
Earlier, BEST had approved two companies to supply 900 double-decker electric buses, with 700 to be supplied by Causis E-Mobility and 200 by Switch Mobility on a wet lease. Last year, BEST issued a "blacklisting" notice to the private company Causis E-Mobility for allegedly failing to deliver 700 electric double-decker buses as per the contract.
BEST, which transports around 30 lakh travellers daily, is the second largest public transport provider in Mumbai and the surrounding metropolitan area, after the suburban train network.
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