A Mumbai citizens’ action group has urged urgent reforms to revive the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking, warning that the public transport system faces serious challenges. The group, Aapli BEST Aplyach Sathi, highlighted issues including rising privatisation, reductions in workforce and the shrinking of BEST’s own bus fleet.
The organisation cautioned that these trends risk undermining BEST’s public-service role. It specifically questioned the shift toward fully contractual operations, which include outsourced electric buses, staff and ticketing systems. While supporting the adoption of eco-friendly electric vehicles, the group stressed that environmental goals should not come at the cost of fleet ownership, stable employment or control over fare revenue.
To address the undertaking’s financial difficulties, the group called on the Union government, the Maharashtra government and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to recognise BEST as essential civic infrastructure rather than viewing it solely as a loss-making entity. It also demanded full transparency on plans for the commercial redevelopment of 22 bus depots.
Among its key demands for revival, the group proposed expanding the self-owned bus fleet, recruiting permanent staff, and generating additional non-fare income by monetising bus stops, depots and advertising opportunities. These steps, it argued, would strengthen finances without placing the burden of higher fares on daily commuters.
The appeal underscores ongoing public concern about the future of Mumbai’s bus network and the need for measures that preserve its accessibility and reliability as a core public service.