3 weeks ago
Oldest bus fleet trains new drivers hardest; accidents involve veterans
Mumbai has a very old bus service called BEST.
Some BEST buses have hit people, and sadly some people have died.
To stop this, BEST teaches new drivers for 28 days before they can carry passengers.
They learn in a classroom and then practice driving a lot on real roads.
They also watch videos of real accidents to understand what could have been done differently.
The training happens at a special centre in Dindoshi.
Many of the crashes involve drivers who have worked for years, not new ones.
So BEST also gives experienced drivers short extra training classes before their shifts.
Some people, like judges, say the training is still not enough.
BEST says drivers also need to follow rules, like not using phones while driving.
New BEST recruits undergo a 28-day course — six days of classroom lessons and 21 days on the wheel — at the Dindoshi training centre in Malad East.
The centre, which has trained BEST drivers and conductors since 1997, now uses CCTV footage of recent accidents as classroom case studies.
BEST buses were involved in 24 deaths in 2024-25 and 24 again in 2025-26, with seven deaths since January and more than 19 accidents — four fatal — in the past three months.
After a fatal Mankhurd crash, BEST added a three-day refresher course for the roughly 5,200 contract drivers operating its 2,553 wet-lease buses.
The Bombay High Court questioned training adequacy, citing a lack of on-road training, while officials say drivers still violate phone-use rules daily.
- Who
- Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), its trainee and contract drivers, and officials at its Dindoshi training centre
- What
- BEST intensified driver training — including accident-video case studies and refresher courses — after a cluster of fatal bus accidents in Mumbai
- Where
- Mumbai, India, mainly at the Dindoshi training centre in Malad East
- When
- Reported in 2026; 24 deaths were recorded in 2024-25 and again in 2025-26, with seven deaths since January
- Why
- To reduce accidents; more than 19 accidents, four of them fatal, occurred in the past three months
Officials: Training Is Strengthening
Critics: Training Remains Inadequate
Adequacy of driver training
Officials: Training Is Strengthening
BEST officials say the training model is substantial and has been strengthened with accident case studies, technical safety and electric-bus sessions.
Critics: Training Remains Inadequate
The Bombay High Court criticised the lack of on-road training in a 2026 bail order and again in July when framing culpable homicide charges in the 2025 Bhandup crash case.
Responsibility for accidents
Officials: Training Is Strengthening
Officials point to driver behaviour, saying inspectors still catch at least three drivers a day using phones despite monthly notices.
Critics: Training Remains Inadequate
Wet-lease drivers say contractors are callous, ignore recurring mechanical faults and "wash their hands of accountability" after accidents.
Key facts
- Operator
- Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST)
- Training centre
- Dindoshi, Malad East, Mumbai (running since 1997)
- New recruit course
- 28 days (6 days classroom + 21 days on-the-wheel)
- Fatalities 2024-25
- 24 deaths in bus accidents
- Fatalities 2025-26
- 24 deaths in bus accidents
- Deaths since January 2026
- 7
- Wet-lease fleet
- 2,553 buses run by about 5,200 contract drivers
- Contractor penalty
- Show-cause notice and Rs 50,000 fine
Quotes
Trushna Vishwasrao
BEST committee chairperson
“"Whenever an accident occurs, two families are ruined, theirs and yours. Financial compensation alone cannot placate a grieving family."”
indianexpress.com
“"The model is substantial but needs greater emphasis on a driver’s attitude, mental peace and composure under pressure."”
indianexpress.com
Sources
Related news
PMPML Bus Crashes Kill 60, Despite Fewer Accidents
BEST bus kills BMC sanitation worker near Mulund; driver detained
BEST Bus Driver Tested for Alcohol After Fatal Mulund Accident
Gadkari urges driver training to stem 1.8 lakh road deaths
Families Demand Action After Dorakunta Bus Crash Kills Six
Mumbai FDA Suspends Two Food Licences, Flags Two More
Mumbai Biker Dies While Allegedly Overtaking Dumper Near Airoli
Mumbai Police Extern 10 Habitual Offenders for One Year
Mumbai Monsoon Sees Sharp Rise in H1N1, Malaria Cases
Ananya Sheth Completes Comeback In Mumbai U-13 Badminton
