The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) is likely to introduce around 100 new electric buses by March 2021 in order to increase the number of eco-friendly buses in its fleet to save fuel. With this, the number of electric buses in the convoy will increase to 200.
The scheme of electric buses is being implemented under 'Fame-2' of the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries. Under this scheme, it was decided to introduce 340 buses in BEST's fleet. This includes 200 midi and 140 single-decker buses.
Out of these 200 midi buses, a few will be AC and some non-AC buses. It is learned that the aim is to add 100 electric buses to BEST's fleet in a week or 10 days. At present, BEST has 96 electric buses -- Midi AC and Singer Decker. By the end of March, more than 100 Midi AC buses will be added.
The number of electric buses will reach 200. By March, the total number of electric buses was expected to reach 386. Apart from this, the route of these buses will be fixed to provide services to hospitals, government and private office workers.
During the pre-COVID era, up to 33 lakh passengers travelled in BEST. The same number decreased in the lockdown. But since June, the lockdown has eased and the number of BEST passengers has increased to some extent, reaching it to around 25 lakhs.
At present, in addition to the 3,500 buses in BEST's fleet, there are also 800 ST buses on lease. Besides, TMT has 364 buses in its fleet at present, of which 333 are operational.
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