In a move to strengthen security at its depots and establishments across Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking will recruit 181 retired personnel from paramilitary forces through the Soldier Board.
The recruitment will include ex-servicemen from forces such as the BSF, CISF, and CRPF. The decision aims to address the acute shortage of security staff, improve surveillance at depots, and prevent encroachments on BEST-owned land.
Officials said BEST has also proposed increasing the upper age limit for recruitment from 40 to 45 years in order to widen the pool of eligible candidates.
The move comes amid growing concerns over theft, encroachments, and illegal occupation of depot premises, which have been affecting several locations across the city.
Members of the BEST committee said that due to the shortage of security personnel, many depots are either left with limited supervision or have to keep their gates closed for extended periods, raising operational challenges.
This has made several depot areas vulnerable to unauthorised activities. Concerns intensified after an incident at the Shivaji Nagar depot, where around 10 electric bus charging guns were reportedly stolen a few months ago. An FIR was subsequently registered in the case.
Depot staff also expressed concerns about threats from miscreants when attempting to question suspicious activity in and around depot premises, further highlighting the need for stronger security measures.
Authorities believe that deploying trained ex-paramilitary personnel will significantly improve discipline, surveillance, and overall security across BEST facilities in Mumbai.
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