Mumbai: Mumbai's Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), regarded as the city's second lifeline after local trains, is set to bolster its fleet with 1,800 single-decker electric buses by the end of 2025. However, the undertaking is grappling with operational challenges, as its current fleet has shrunk to fewer than 3,000 buses, including approximately 2,000 on a wet lease.

The reduced fleet size has resulted in long queues at bus stops, especially during rush hours. Commuters face extended waiting times due to reduced frequency on several routes.

Details On Order Placed By BEST

According to an official, BEST has already placed an order for 2,100 electric buses from Evey Trans on a wet lease basis. Of these, 300 have been delivered, with the remaining 1,800 scheduled for phased delivery. Sources revealed that 100 buses will be supplied monthly during the first quarter of 2025, with the rest expected by the end of the year.

According to sources, BEST and the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), which serves the state’s intercity transportation needs, are both grappling with fleet reduction issues.

Not only has BEST placed orders, but MSRTC has also made an ambitious commitment to procure over 5,100 electric buses from Evey Trans. Deliveries have already begun, with the company initially supplying 100 buses per month and planning to increase the pace after the first quarter of 2025.

A senior official highlighted a key hurdle: the limited number of e-bus manufacturers in the market. The constrained production capacity is delaying the fulfillment of large orders, affecting public transport operations across the state.

Buses For Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation Too

In addition to BEST and MSRTC, Evey Trans will supply 29 e-buses to the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation in early 2025, according to an Evey Trans official.

"While the shift to electric buses aligns with Maharashtra's push for sustainable urban mobility, both BEST and MSRTC are under pressure to meet rising commuter demand. With e-bus deliveries expected to pick up pace later in 2025, public transport operators and commuters alike anticipate some relief" said an official of state transport department.