As the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has been suffering huge financial losses for the past several years, the Undertaking has sought INR 6,650 crores from the civic body to keep its transport services running.
Besides, the transport body has also been demanding a budget merger with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to ensure higher pay scales and Diwali bonus and various other benefits.
The financial help from the BMC to its transport wing has been increasing since the past few years, though the civic administration hasn’t approved to these demands yet.
The civic administration has now sent the notice of resolution to the standing committee for information. The resolution needs the administration’s approval before implementation.
Also Read: Mumbai: BEST To Link Its Mobile App With Universal Pass From January 20
As per accounts, BMC has helped the BEST with INR 151.35 crores over four financial years, from 2015 to 2019. Thereafter, it allotted INR 4,300 crores—half of it in 2019-20, INR 750 crores in the current financial year. In addition, INR 406 crores loan for pending gratuity payment to 3,649 employees.
The BEST expected a financial deficit of INR 1,887 crores in 2020-21, and it asked for an aid of INR 6,650 crores, including INR 2,805 crores for capital funding.
Meanwhile, in order to attract more passengers, the Undertaking mentioned that it will soon commence the initiative of hop-on, hop-off (Ho-Ho) buses meaning that tourists can choose their spot, get down and visit the location and get back on the next bus for the subsequent stop.
Also Read: BEST to improve safety measures in all buses by installing cameras and SOS button
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