The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking in Mumbai has welcomed the addition of 10 new single-decker electric buses from Olectra Greentech, a Hyderabad-based company. This delivery is part of a broader agreement, in which Olectra will supply a total of 2,100 single-decker buses on a wet lease model, covering drivers, fuel, and maintenance aspects.
With this recent addition, the count of Olectra’s 12-meter-long buses in the BEST fleet has reached 30, contributing to a total of 70 vehicles under the transport undertaking’s administration. Initially, Olectra had supplied 40 midi buses to BEST, securing a subsequent contract for the supply of 2,100 buses of 12-meter length. However, legal disputes over the contract led to delays in the delivery of buses.
BEST, with approximately 3,000 buses, serves Mumbai and nearby cities like Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Mira-Bhayandar. A significant mode of transport in Mumbai, BEST buses carry an estimated 30 lakh passengers daily, making them the second most popular transportation option after suburban trains.
As part of its expansion strategy, the municipal transport body is actively integrating electric buses, including double-deckers, into its fleet. Reports suggest that BEST currently boasts over 400 electric buses in its operational lineup.