According to sources, with the resumption of Mumbai locals for the general public, the number of passengers using the services of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has dropped drastically.
In the last week, the number of passengers has dropped by about one lakh. Earlier, due to the closure of services, the commuters using BEST facilities had increased to 17 lakhs. Moreover, the Maharashtra government under the Mission Begin Again campaign resumed bus services for citizens on June 8, 2020. On average, 2.8 million passengers travelled every day by BEST buses.
Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to provide financial assistance to improve the situation of BEST. In the last two years, BEST has been receiving help in form of financial assistance in order to improve its situation. Moreover, this year, the civic body has decided to provide BEST with a grant of INR 750 crores in order to conduct developmental work. In addition, the BMC has decided to give out a loan of INR 406 crores at a very low-interest rate.
However, BEST's announcement to merge the budget with the municipality's budget has not yet materialized. Two years ago, BEST was given INR 2,000 crores by breaking reserves whereas last year it was given INR 1,500 crores. However, the provision was reduced to INR 1,000 crores after the outbreak of the coronavirus increased its expenditure. Out of this, INR 918 crores has been given to BEST till January 2021.
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