The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking is preparing to induct 1,500 new air-conditioned electric midi buses into its fleet as part of a major public transport expansion plan. The move is aimed at addressing mumbai’s growing commuter demand and improving connectivity across the city.
Midi buses, which are larger than minibuses but smaller than standard single-decker buses, are expected to serve routes that require greater maneuverability while maintaining adequate passenger capacity.
A key objective of the new fleet is to strengthen last-mile connectivity to Mumbai’s rapidly expanding Metro network. BEST officials said the electric midi buses will primarily operate as feeder services, connecting residential areas and interior localities with Metro and railway stations.
The initiative is expected to make public transport more accessible and convenient for daily commuters while reducing dependence on private vehicles.
Rather than purchasing the buses outright, BEST plans to induct them under a 12-year wet lease arrangement. The tendering process has already been completed, and several companies have been shortlisted for the project.
The procurement will receive financial support from the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries, which will provide subsidies for the electric buses. This assistance is expected to help lower the overall cost of fleet expansion.
The proposed 1,500 midi buses are in addition to BEST’s existing contracts for 4,500 air-conditioned electric buses. So far, 774 of these buses have been inducted into service, while around 3,700 more are expected to join the fleet by the end of the current financial year.
Additionally, two more contractors are set to supply 100 and 150 buses respectively, further strengthening the undertaking’s operations.
BEST has set an ambitious goal of expanding its fleet to 7,000 buses by 2027, nearly two-and-a-half times its current size.
To meet its expansion targets, BEST has revised timelines under six wet lease agreements and is aiming to induct at least 2,500 electric buses during the current financial year.
While some contracts have experienced delays and operational challenges, officials said measures are being taken to resolve issues and ensure timely deliveries without affecting commuter services.
BEST’s operational fleet has recently crossed the 2,800-bus mark after remaining around 2,700 buses for nearly a year. The undertaking expects to add between 500 and 1,000 more buses in the coming months and aims to surpass 3,000 buses before the end of the year.
If all planned procurements and deliveries proceed as scheduled, Mumbai’s bus network could witness one of its largest expansions in recent years.
Alongside fleet expansion, BEST is also focusing on improving its financial sustainability. Officials are exploring opportunities to generate additional non-fare revenue, including the redevelopment of bus depots for commercial purposes.
The initiative aligns with the Maharashtra government’s objective of increasing non-fare revenue to 40 percent of total earnings.
According to officials, the combination of fleet expansion and revenue diversification is expected to strengthen BEST’s financial position, improve operational efficiency, and enhance service reliability.
With thousands of new electric buses planned over the next few years, Mumbai commuters can expect a larger, cleaner, and more dependable public transport network that supports the city’s long-term mobility goals.