The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), Mumbai public transport body, had earlier announced plans to add 10,662 buses to the city's fleet. Now, it has laid out a comprehensive plan to achieve that number.
By March 2025, BEST aims to own 3,337 buses and lease 7,285 more, according to its 2024–25 budget. Moreover, given the current fleet size of 2,950 and delivery delays, the goal of 8,222 buses by March 2024 seems optimistic.
Despite the challenges, BEST expects to receive 900 AC double-decker e-buses, 2,100 AC single-decker e-buses, and 250 CNG single-decker buses soon. Manufacturers under contract with BEST are facing severe delays. BEST officials have issued ultimatums, demanding a clear delivery schedule.
One manufacturer has only delivered one out of 250 non-AC CNG buses. Similarly, Causis E-Mobility has yet to deliver any of the 700 AC double-decker e-buses. All of the 700 buses should have been delivered by August.
Olectra's delivery of 2,100 AC single-decker e-buses is also slow. So far, only 20 buses have been delivered. According to the original schedule, Olectra should have delivered 50% of the buses by February and the other 50 per cent by May.
Switch Mobility has, however, delivered about fifty AC double-decker e-buses out of 200. Despite the challenges, BEST plans to add 3,300 wet-lease buses and 2,239 AC e-buses to its fleet by March next year.
BEST is also retiring 541 buses that have reached the end of their lifespan, reducing the current fleet size to 2,950. Currently, BEST is facing a deficit of INR 2,514 crore for 2024–25, adding to the challenges of its expansion plans.
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