Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday inducted 157 air-conditioned electric buses into the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport (BEST) fleet, marking a new push toward sustainable urban transport in the city.

Speaking at the event held at the BEST depot in Colaba, Fadnavis said Mumbai would gradually scale up to 5,000 electric buses in phases. He also urged BEST to explore non-fare box revenue streams to improve its financial sustainability, directing that at least 40 % of its revenue should come from such sources. 

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde called the induction a landmark moment for Mumbai’s eco-friendly transport transition, noting that the buses would offer cleaner, more comfortable commutes for BEST’s ~300,000 daily passengers.

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Of the new fleet, 122 buses are leased on a wet lease basis from Mumbadevi Mobility Pvt Ltd, while 35 buses are leased from Evey Trans Maharashtra Pvt Ltd. The inducted buses feature amenities like low-floor entry, accessibility ramps, and modern passenger conveniences.

Fadnavis also emphasised that upgrading the bus network is a vital complement to Mumbai’s metro and suburban railway systems. He asserted that such integration is necessary to fully augment the city’s public transport capacity.

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