BEST to move towards privatization

As per reports, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) is moving towards privatization.

This comes after BEST used private buses in its transport segment in Mumbai after which it has now decided to involve private contractors in the electrical segment as well. Moreover, it has taken the first step towards privatization of power failure repair department.

The BEST had earlier decided to hire more than 3,000 buses as it was more affordable to hire a bus than to run its own. In the first phase, 800 private buses were hired.

On the other hand, the BEST had earlier announced new air-conditioned bus routes for the passengers travelling in Mumbai. According to sources, one of the routes will be A-370 which will operate from MHADA Colony, Kelkar Colony and is to benefit the students travelling in the area. Moreover, the bus service will operate from 6.30 AM and the last available bus will be around 9:45 PM. In addition, another bus route from Shivaji Nagar junction to Raj Kapoor Chowk will extend till Trombay.

These new buses have already initiated operations from January 4, 2021. These buses will start at 6 AM from Trombay and the last bus will be at 9.35 PM. Similarly, from Shivaji Nagar, the first bus will be at 6.40 AM and the last available bus will be at 9:15 PM.

In the past, on December 4, 2020, the BEST introduced 26 AC electric buses. The buses were inaugurated by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray at Nariman Point, Murli Deora Chowk.