In view of rising accidents involving outsourced electric buses in its fleet, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has made four-week mandatory training compulsory for all electric bus drivers.
Earlier, drivers were given only one week of training, but the duration has now been significantly increased to improve passenger safety and operational control.
The decision comes after a series of recent incidents, including fire outbreaks and technical failures in electric buses, prompting the administration to tighten safety measures. Officials said that during recent inspections, technical faults were detected in around 10 to 11 buses, following which they were immediately removed from service.
BEST has increasingly relied on leased buses over the past few years as part of its cost-cutting strategy. Of its total fleet of 2,792 buses, only 249 are owned, while 2,554 are operated on a wet-lease model. This includes 1,225 CNG buses and 1,319 electric buses, making electric vehicles a major part of the city’s public transport system.
A senior BEST official said the revised training programme will focus on technical understanding of electric buses, safe driving practices, emergency handling, and disciplined operations. Special emphasis will also be placed on maintenance procedures and stricter inspection protocols to reduce accident risks and help drivers adapt to the operational differences between diesel and electric buses.
The move follows multiple incidents reported in May, including four separate fire cases at depots in Kurla, Pratiksha Nagar, and Santacruz. Questions have also been raised about maintenance standards, depot safety, and driver conduct. In addition, incidents of buses rolling backward in Bhandup and Kurla, both involving electric buses, further highlighted safety concerns.
BEST committee members have demanded stricter monitoring of bus maintenance and disciplinary action against negligent drivers. Authorities believe the new training system will improve service reliability and ensure safer operations for passengers.
The training programme will include guidance on handling buses on slopes and narrow roads, proper use of handbrakes, understanding advanced braking systems in electric buses, and adherence to safety protocols while transitioning from diesel to electric vehicle operations.