Mumbai’s public transport system was severely disrupted on Saturday after an indefinite strike by employees of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking was intensified. A near-complete shutdown of bus services was witnessed across the city, with no BEST-owned or wet-lease buses being operated during the day. Thousands of employees were reported to have stayed away from work, resulting in one of the most significant disruptions experienced by the transport network in recent years.
A far greater impact was observed on the second day of the agitation compared to the previous day. Although a limited number of drivers and conductors had initially reported for duty during the morning, services were later withdrawn and vehicles were returned to depots. Reports of alleged stone-pelting incidents involving buses were cited as one of the reasons for the recall of vehicles. As the day progressed, all buses were kept parked within BEST depots and bus stations.
Extremely low attendance figures were recorded across operational departments. Only a small fraction of scheduled drivers, conductors, bus starters and inspectors reported for work. Similar absenteeism was witnessed among wet-lease staff, causing services to be completely halted. As a result, the city’s extensive bus network was rendered non-operational.
Significant inconvenience was experienced by commuters throughout Mumbai. Alternative transportation options such as shared taxis, auto-rickshaws and bike taxis were heavily relied upon. Additional buses were also introduced by some private operators in key locations including Bandra-Kurla Complex, Powai, Dadar, Borivali, Ghatkopar and Nariman Point. However, it was acknowledged that fare structures varied and were not formally regulated.
Special attention was given to students scheduled to appear for the NEET re-examination across Mumbai. In response to concerns regarding transportation, 60 additional buses were arranged through the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). These services were planned to operate during the morning and evening examination hours. Furthermore, support from an additional 100 MSRTC buses was requested to strengthen overall transport availability.
A legal response was also initiated by the administration. Notices under the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA) were issued to employees participating in the strike and to wet-lease contractors. It was stated that legal action could be taken against individuals found responsible for disrupting essential public services.
Meanwhile, the striking unions maintained that the agitation would continue. It was argued that assurances allegedly provided during discussions with Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik had not been reflected in the official meeting minutes. A willingness to engage in further discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was expressed by union representatives in the hope that a resolution could be achieved.
Despite the transport crisis, electricity supply operations managed by BEST were reported to have remained unaffected. Efforts were said to be continuing to minimise inconvenience to the approximately 2.5 million passengers who depend on the undertaking’s services every day. As the standoff continued, increasing pressure was placed on both the administration and unions to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution.