Mumbai faced a major setback as the contract for 700 AC double decker buses got scrapped after being delayed for over a year.
The decision was announced by the city’s transport authority on Wednesday. This move will have repercussions for BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) which has been struggling to expand its bus fleet.
Currently, BEST operates 3,040 buses but faces a demand for 3,000 more to meet passenger needs.
The contract for the AC double decker buses, which was terminated, had offered a cheaper lease rent of Rs 56 per km, making it an attractive option for BEST, as reported by TOI.
Sources revealed that this was one of the lowest rates in the country, driving BEST’s interest in the project. However, opting for a fresh tender poses risks and additional costs, according to insiders.
Meanwhile, BEST’s second contract with another agency remains unaffected. This agency has already supplied 50 electric AC double deckers out of the total 200 ordered.
These buses have gained popularity in South Mumbai, particularly on routes to Churchgate, Nariman Point, and Cuffe Parade. The frequency of these buses, especially on the Nariman Point route, is commendable, with buses arriving every 3 minutes.
Despite the positive reception of the existing fleet, concerns have been raised by former BEST committee members and activists. They highlight that the AC double decker fleet has stagnated at 50 buses for over 3 months.
Calls for the remaining 150 buses to be delivered promptly have intensified. Commuters report long queues at bus stops, with wait times exceeding 30 minutes for the next bus.
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