3 days ago
BEST Budget Projects Deficit, Plans Safety Overhaul and Fleet Expansion
BEST has shared a plan for its money and bus services for 2027-28.
It expects to spend more than it earns, leaving a projected deficit of ₹1,317.50 crore.
The plan includes spending ₹647.79 crore on capital projects.
BEST wants to grow its bus fleet in stages, eventually reaching 10,000 buses.
It plans to acquire electric and CNG midi-buses, as well as double-decker electric buses.
Cameras would help officials monitor how drivers behave, and simulators would let drivers practise handling hazards and difficult weather.
BEST also wants to change work schedules to help reduce driver fatigue.
The proposals include better bus tracking, digital ticketing, electricity-network upgrades and stronger cybersecurity.
BEST’s 2027-28 budget projects income of ₹8,559.06 crore, expenditure of ₹9,876.56 crore and an overall deficit of ₹1,317.50 crore.
The undertaking proposes capital expenditure of ₹647.79 crore and a phased fleet expansion from 2,834 buses to 4,016, with a long-term target of 10,000.
Plans include 1,500 electric midi-buses under PM-eDrive, 200 CNG midi-buses and 120 double-decker AC electric buses.
Proposed safety measures include driver-monitoring cameras linked to a command centre, driving simulators in Dindoshi and revised schedules intended to reduce fatigue.
BEST also proposes upgrades to passenger information and tracking, digital ticketing, its electricity distribution network and cybersecurity systems.
- Who
- The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport undertaking (BEST), with its budget presented by Prajakta Verma, Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) and acting BEST General Manager.
- What
- BEST presented its 2027-28 budget, projecting an overall deficit and proposing fleet expansion, safety measures and service and infrastructure upgrades.
- Where
- Mumbai and neighbouring areas.
- When
- October 7, 2026.
- Why
- The proposals aim to expand and modernise the bus fleet, improve passenger services and driver safety, and upgrade electricity and cybersecurity infrastructure.
Expansion and safety proposals
Financial and workload concerns
Fleet expansion despite projected deficit
Expansion and safety proposals
BEST proposes a phased expansion to 10,000 buses, including electric and CNG midi-buses and double-decker electric buses.
Financial and workload concerns
The budget projects an overall deficit of ₹1,317.50 crore, while the transport division is expected to record a deficit of ₹1,518.71 crore.
Driver schedules and fatigue
Expansion and safety proposals
BEST proposes monitoring driver behaviour, simulator training and revised schedules intended to reduce fatigue.
Financial and workload concerns
A BEST union leader said traffic congestion extends work hours and that drivers cover 180–220 kilometres per day, adding pressure.
Key facts
- Budget year
- 2027-28
- Estimated income
- ₹8,559.06 crore
- Estimated expenditure
- ₹9,876.56 crore
- Projected overall deficit
- ₹1,317.50 crore
- Capital expenditure
- ₹647.79 crore
- Fleet expansion
- 2,834 buses in September 2026; proposed near-term 4,016 and long-term 10,000
- Proposed bus acquisitions
- 1,500 electric midi-buses, 200 CNG midi-buses and 120 double-decker AC electric buses
- Division estimates
- Electricity division surplus: ₹201.21 crore; transport division deficit: ₹1,518.71 crore
Quotes
Prajakta Verma
Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) and acting BEST General Manager
“Cameras installed inside buses will specifically monitor driver behaviour while the vehicle is in operation, with the footage and alerts linked to a Central Command and Control Centre”
freepressjournal.in
“The traffic jams lead to extension of work hours. The drivers of each bus need to complete 180-220 kms of distance in a day which also builds pressure”
freepressjournal.in
A BEST official
BEST official discussing the proposed driver-training programme
“The training programme will be used for both newly recruited drivers and refresher courses for existing drivers. We would focus on hazard perception, accident prevention, operation in difficult conditions and fuel-efficient driving”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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