The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking has expanded its fleet with 17 new 12-metre electric buses, introducing a fresh route via the Coastal Road from Oshiwara depot to South Mumbai.
The buses, manufactured by Nagpur-based Mumbadevi Mobility Private Limited, were flagged off at the Colaba depot on Saturday by IAS officer Asheesh Sharma, who holds additional charge as BEST’s general manager. The new service commenced on Sunday.
Among the latest additions, the AC route A-84 will operate between Oshiwara depot and Dr Shyamaprasad Mukherji Chowk (Museum), covering Worli to Marine Drive through the Coastal Road with four new halts.
The PMI-brand electric buses are equipped with modern facilities including a public address system, laptop and mobile charging points, and improved passenger amenities.
With this addition, BEST’s fleet now stands at 2,711 buses, of which 2,293 are on hire. Over 1,000 of these are electric, including 50 double-deckers, while 1,225 run on CNG.
As part of its fleet electrification drive, BEST had floated a tender for 250 electric buses in 2023. Deliveries began in May, and over 50 buses had been supplied by August, though several remained unused for months due to the absence of charging facilities.
Currently, all electric buses are operated on a wet lease model, under which the operator bears the cost of fuel, drivers, and maintenance.
