Archive · 22 Jul 2026
BEST Inspection Reveals Defects in Wet-Lease Buses
The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking recently inspected many of its wet-lease buses and found that about one-third of them had problems with their brakes or steering.
This inspection happened after several accidents, including one in Mankhurd where a bus hit and killed a senior citizen.
The BEST administration says the accidents were mostly the drivers' fault, but some committee members think the buses' mechanical issues are also to blame.
They found out that many buses had brake failures, and some drivers reported problems with air pressure leaks.
The committee is worried about the safety of these buses and wants to make sure they are fixed properly.
They also want to review the contract with one of the bus operators, Mateshwari Urban Transport Solutions, because their buses have been involved in many accidents.
A BEST inspection found that 34% of wet-lease buses had defects in braking or steering systems.
Repairs have been completed on 774 buses, with 94 still pending repairs.
Recent accidents in Mankhurd, Dadar, and Andheri have raised concerns about bus safety.
The BEST administration attributes the accidents to driver error, while committee members point to mechanical defects.
Committee members have raised concerns about brake failures and the working hours of drivers.
- Who
- Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking, BEST Committee members, Mateshwari Urban Transport Solutions
- What
- A comprehensive inspection of wet-lease buses revealed defects in braking or steering systems, and recent accidents have raised concerns about bus safety.
- When
- The inspection was carried out between April and July, with recent accidents occurring in the past two months.
- Where
- The events took place in Mumbai, specifically in Mankhurd, Dadar, and Andheri.
- Why
- The inspection was conducted following a series of accidents involving BEST buses, and the committee is scrutinizing the safety and condition of wet-lease buses.
BEST Administration
Committee Members
Cause of Accidents
BEST Administration
The administration maintains that recent fatal crashes were primarily caused by human error, specifically driver mistakes.
Committee Members
Committee members argue that mechanical defects, particularly brake failures, are a significant factor in the accidents.
Condition of Wet-Lease Buses
BEST Administration
The administration asserts that the majority of wet-lease buses are in good condition and that repairs are being carried out.
Committee Members
Committee members claim that a high percentage of wet-lease buses have mechanical defects that pose risks to commuters.
- Total Wet-Lease Buses Inspected
- 2,553
- Buses with Defects
- 868
- Percentage of Defective Buses
- 34%
- Buses Repaired
- 774
- Buses Pending Repair
- 94
- Fatalities in Wet-Lease Buses (Past 2 Years)
- 42
- Fatalities in BEST-Owned Buses (Past 2 Years)
- 8
- Buses Operated by Mateshwari
- 600