Mumbai: The city’s public transport system is set for a significant boost as BEST plans to procure 1,500 new air-conditioned midi buses, backed by fresh funding from the Centre.According to officials, these midi buses will primarily operate as feeder services to Metro stations as the city’s expanding Metro network becomes operational. The Union ministry of heavy industries will provide subsidy for these buses.The move comes in response to the urgent need for more buses and forms part of BEST’s roadmap to expand its fleet to 7,000 buses by 2027. The proposed buses will be inducted under a 12-year wet lease model and are expected to play a crucial role in improving last-mile connectivity.The new procurement will be in addition to BEST’s existing contracts for 4,500 air-conditioned electric buses. Of these, 774 buses have already been inducted into service, while around 3,700 more are expected to be added by the end of the current financial year. Two additional contractors are also slated to supply 100 and 150 buses, respectively.BEST has revised timelines under six wet lease contracts to ensure that at least 2,500 e-buses are inducted within this financial year. While delays and contractual challenges have been reported, officials said efforts are underway to resolve issues to ensure that services for commuters are not disrupted.At present, BEST’s fleet has crossed the 2,800 mark, after remaining around 2,700 for nearly a year. The undertaking expects to add between 500 and 1,000 more buses in the coming months and aims to cross the 3,000 mark before the end of the year.If all planned procurements and deliveries proceed smoothly, the fleet is projected to reach 7,000 buses by 2027 — nearly 2.5 times the current strength. “Mumbaikars can expect a significantly larger and more reliable bus network in the near future,” a senior official said.In parallel, BEST is also focusing on financial sustainability by exploring non-fare revenue streams. Plans to redevelop bus depots for commercial use are under consideration, in line with directions from chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to increase non-farebox revenue to 40%.Officials said this dual strategy — expanding the electric fleet while boosting alternative revenue — will help stabilise BEST’s finances, improve service reliability and address long-standing operational and staff-related challenges.At present, BEST’s fleet has crossed the 2,800 mark, after remaining around 2,700 for nearly a year. The undertaking expects to add between 500 and 1,000 more buses in the coming months and aims to cross the 3,000 mark before the end of the year.If all planned procurements and deliveries proceed smoothly, the fleet is projected to reach 7,000 buses by 2027—nearly 2.5 times the current strength. “Mumbaikars can expect a significantly larger and more reliable bus network in the near future,” a senior official said.In parallel, BEST is also focusing on financial sustainability by exploring non-fare revenue streams. Plans to redevelop bus depots for commercial use are under consideration, in line with directions from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to increase non-farebox revenue to 40%.Officials said this dual strategy—expanding the electric fleet while boosting alternative revenue—will help stabilise BEST’s finances, improve service reliability, and address long-standing operational and staff-related challenges.Ends
