On Tuesday, January 25, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) cleared the contract to acquire 900 AC electric double-decker buses for mumbai on a wet-lease basis for 12 years, stated reports. It has been claimed in accounts that the project will cost the body more than INR 3,600 crore.
Based on narratives, the Maharashtra government has sanctioned INR 992 crore to the BEST in the Maharashtra Clean Air Project for acquiring e-buses. Thus, the said money will be utilized to initially procure double-decker buses.
Several accounts have quoted Lokesh Chandra, BEST general manager who elaborated on how the first 225 double-decker buses are anticipated in 2022, the other 225 in March 2023 and the remaining 450 by June 2023.
Presently, Mumbai is equipped with 48 regular double-decker buses, with the body having a daily ridership of over 28 lakh it doesn’t have additional carrying capacity.
Thus, Chandra believes that acquiring the new AC double-deckers will not only be eco-friendly but ensure that the iconic buses continue to be on the roads for more than a decade, cited narratives.
Chandra added that this will augment the fleet, improve ridership and clear crowding during peak hours. However, the project clearance was opposed in the committee by BJP members.
Maharashtra cabinet minister Aaditya Thackeray took to Twitter saying, "The BEST double-decker, now electric! CM Uddhav Thackeray and I have been personally keen on reviving Mumbai’s iconic double-decker buses." "While doing so, the BEST is procuring 900 of them, fully electric and emission-free. As we increase our BEST fleet, ultimately to 10,000 electric/clean alternate fuel buses, our aim is to have maximum double-decker buses, as this increases our capacity," he said.
The BEST double-decker, now electric!
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) January 27, 2022
CM Uddhav Thackeray and I have been personally keen on reviving Mumbai’s iconic double-decker buses. pic.twitter.com/lQkjvKlVgh
Thackeray further added that along with Mumbai he has requested municipal commissioners of other cities who are purchasing electric buses to also add double-decker electric buses into their fleets.
Also Read: Mumbai: BEST To Link Its Mobile App With Universal Pass From January 20
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