Eco-Friendly Buses Ensure Comfortable Travel for Mumbaikars and Environmental Protection – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

150 Eco-Friendly Buses Inducted into BEST Fleet; 1.9 Lakh Commuters to Experience Quality Travel Daily

Mumbai, Oct 2025 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the ‘BEST’ fleet will become 100% eco-friendly in the future, with 150 new electric buses being added as part of that effort. These buses will not only provide comfortable travel for Mumbaikars but also contribute to protecting the environment. Describing BEST as the lifeline of Mumbai, he emphasized that the bus network plays a vital role in connecting suburban local trains and metro services. The new buses, he said, will strengthen the city’s public transport system.

At the BEST depot in Colaba, Chief Minister Fadnavis inaugurated the 150 new electric buses. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Speaker Adv. Rahul Narwekar, Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, BEST General Manager Sonia Sethi, Additional General Managers R.R. Dubal and A.S. Rao, Chief Engineer Rajan Gandewar, and Chief Transport Manager Ramesh Madavi.

Chief Minister Fadnavis said that a decision to procure 5,000 buses for an environmentally friendly transport system had already been made earlier, and these buses are being delivered in phases. Through the ‘Mumbai One App’, a single ticket system has been introduced for all public transport services. “If passenger fare revenue increases, BEST will become financially stronger,” he said, adding that efforts should be made to enhance revenue with a more professional approach. He assured that both the state government and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are committed to empowering BEST.

Happy Employees Mean Better Passenger Service
While improving passenger facilities, the government has also taken employee welfare decisions. Contributions to the Provident Fund and payments of Covid-period benefits have been made. This year, BEST employees received a bonus equal to that of BMC employees, the Chief Minister noted, adding that a satisfied workforce ensures a more efficient passenger service.

New Era of Travel with Eco-Friendly Electric Buses – Deputy CM Eknath Shinde
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that BEST and local trains are an integral part of life for Mumbaikars. To improve travel facilities for citizens, the government has allocated ₹3,500 crore. “The same roads of Mumbai that once saw trams and horse carriages will now see these eco-friendly electric buses—a new era of travel begins,” he said. Along with regular long buses, midi buses have also been included in the fleet to move smoothly through busy roads.

He added that Mumbai, being an international city, attracts many foreign tourists, and the government is working to enhance civic facilities. Major infrastructure projects such as the Coastal Road, Atal Setu, Metro lines, concrete roads, and bridges are strengthening the city’s connectivity network.

Deputy CM Shinde also said that, ahead of Diwali, BEST employees have been given the same bonus as BMC employees. He commended sanitation workers, calling them the true heroes of Mumbai, who tirelessly maintain the city’s cleanliness. The government has also launched a scheme to fund higher education for their children to secure their future.

BEST General Manager Sonia Sethi welcomed the dignitaries and gave the introductory address.

Inauguration of Eco-Friendly Buses at Oshiwara and Goregaon Depots
In addition to Colaba, the eco-friendly buses at Oshiwara and Goregaon depots were also inaugurated. With this, around 1.9 lakh Mumbai commuters will now enjoy a high-quality travel experience every day.

The dignitaries, along with the Chief Minister, boarded bus number 4068 at Veer Kotwal Udyan, Kurla, inspected it, and traveled a short distance.

New Phase for Electric Buses in BEST
Under the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking, a total of 150 fully electric buses, each 12 meters long, are being launched. These buses will operate under the wet lease model, giving a major boost to eco-friendly and sustainable public transport in Mumbai.

The 150 electric buses will operate on 21 routes across 21 wards. Their quality will be regularly monitored by a central control system. The buses will connect major suburban railway stations—Andheri (W), Jogeshwari (W), Kurla (E & W), Bandra (W), Kandivali (W), and Borivali (W)—and will also link Metro Lines 1, 2A, 7, and 3 (Aqua Line), providing passengers with seamless last-mile connectivity.