Public transportation services in Mumbai were significantly disrupted on Friday as an indefinite strike by employees of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking continued across the city. Large sections of the bus network were brought to a halt, resulting in considerable inconvenience for lakhs of commuters who rely on the service for daily travel.
Only a limited number of buses were reported to be operating, representing a sharp reduction from normal deployment levels. The situation was further complicated by reports of vandalism and intimidation, following which several buses were returned to depots. As a result, connectivity between residential neighbourhoods, suburban railway stations, Metro corridors, and commercial districts was severely affected. The strike was organised after negotiations between worker representatives and the administration failed to produce an agreement on several long-standing issues. Demands related to financial restructuring, payment of pending dues, reduction in contractual dependence, and regularisation of workers were highlighted by employee groups. Concerns regarding wage parity and employment conditions were also raised by workers employed through private contractors.
The impact of the disruption was felt across the city. Long queues were observed at transport hubs, while demand for shared taxis, autorickshaws, and app-based mobility services was significantly increased. Additional pressure was placed on Mumbai’s suburban railway network as thousands of passengers were compelled to seek alternative travel arrangements. Extended waiting times and higher transportation expenses were reported by commuters throughout the day. Particular challenges were encountered by elderly passengers and those unaware of the strike. Many travellers were left stranded at bus stops before alternative arrangements could be made. The disruption was also seen as a setback for public transport initiatives being promoted in business districts such as Bandra-Kurla Complex, where extensive bus services are usually operated by BEST.
Efforts toward resolving the dispute were initiated by the state government. Meetings were convened involving Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, union representatives, and senior officials. It was emphasised that BEST remains a critical public service relied upon by millions of Mumbai residents every day. Appeals for the withdrawal of the strike were made, while assurances were given that key demands would be examined.
Legal intervention was also undertaken. An interim order restraining the strike had been issued by the Mumbai Industrial Court, while provisions of the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA) were invoked to classify BEST’s transport and electricity operations as essential services. Nevertheless, the agitation continued. Although bus operations were severely affected, electricity supply services provided by BEST were maintained without interruption. The continuation of power distribution ensured that millions of consumers across south and central Mumbai were not impacted by the ongoing labour action.
With BEST operating thousands of bus trips daily and serving millions of passengers, the strike underscored the organisation’s vital role in Mumbai’s urban infrastructure and highlighted the urgent need for a negotiated resolution.