Mumbai BEST Bus Accident: Opposition Leader Kishori Pednekar Demands Strict Action Against Negligent Drivers

Following a major BEST bus accident near Plaza Cinema in Dadar on Monday morning, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Kishori Pednekar, has demanded stringent action against negligent drivers and raised concerns over the increasing number of accidents involving BEST buses.

The accident involved a leased BEST bus that reportedly hit four pedestrians, resulting in the death of one person. The incident has reignited concerns about the safety of contract-operated buses and the use of contractual drivers in Mumbai’s public transport system.

Reacting strongly to the accident, Pednekar alleged that the practice of hiring contractual drivers for BEST buses began during the administrative period after 2022. She questioned how a driver could lose control of a bus in a densely populated area like Dadar and argued that buses in such congested localities should be driven at speeds of no more than 10–20 kmph.

“If a driver is taking a turn at a speed of 70–80 kmph, an accident is inevitable. Were these drivers not properly trained?” she asked. Pednekar also accused the authorities of acting only after accidents occur rather than taking preventive measures.

She further questioned whether the families of victims killed in previous BEST bus accidents had received compensation from either BEST or the state government. Referring to Monday’s victim, she said the family should receive substantial compensation and asked what fault the deceased pedestrian had committed.

Pednekar also raised concerns about the maintenance of leased buses and called for a review of their operational safety standards.

Meanwhile, labour unions have also voiced opposition to the increasing use of leased buses and contractual drivers. Several unions have formed a joint action committee to address what they describe as the deteriorating condition of BEST services.

Vilas Pawar of the Samarth Kamgar Sanghatana claimed that accidents have increased due to the growing reliance on contractual drivers. According to him, contract drivers often flee the scene after accidents, whereas permanent employees are more accountable because they fear disciplinary action and job loss.

The Dadar accident has intensified the debate over driver training, vehicle maintenance, and the role of contractual staffing in Mumbai’s public transport system. Authorities are investigating the incident.