Nearly a month after Diwali, the long-awaited bonus for 27,000 employees of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has finally been credited to their bank accounts. The disbursement brings much-needed relief to drivers, conductors, and other staff, who had earlier expressed disappointment at being unable to celebrate the festival with the traditional bonus.

According to the sources, the delay in releasing the bonus had sparked discontent among employees, with some threatening to disrupt work in protest. To address the issue, the Mumbai Municipal Corporation transferred Rs 80 crore to BEST’s account, ensuring funds were available. However, the distribution was further delayed due to the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct during assembly elections. After obtaining clearance from election authorities, BEST moved forward with disbursing the bonus.

Long-Awaited Bonus Credited To Employees' Accounts

On Thursday, amounts ranging between Rs 27,000 and Rs 29,000 were credited to employees' accounts, marking the end of a protracted wait. The BEST Public Relations Department confirmed the successful distribution, which is expected to help employees manage pending expenses, including those related to weddings and other personal commitments.

About BEST

BEST Undertaking is the backbone of Mumbai's transportation and electricity supply systems. Every day, BEST operates nearly 3,000 buses, catering to around 35 lakh passengers.

As the city's primary public transportation provider, BEST plays a vital role in keeping Mumbai on the move. Its buses traverse the city's streets, connecting residents to their workplaces, schools, and other essential destinations. With its vast network, BEST ensures that Mumbaikars have access to reliable and affordable transportation.Beyond its transportation services, BEST is also a major electricity distributor in south Mumbai. The undertaking supplies power to nearly 10 lakh consumers, including residential, commercial, and industrial users.