BEST approves induction of 1,500 AC electric midi buses under PM E-Drive scheme

Representational image. File pic

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Committee on Tuesday approved the induction of 1,500 AC electric midi buses under the PM E-Drive Scheme.

The move by BEST aims at strengthening last-mile connectivity and expanding the city's electric public transport network.

According to the officials, the induction of the new buses is part of its plan to help achieve the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs' (MoHUA) target of 10,000 buses by 2027, equivalent to 0.6 buses per 1,000 people.

A fleet of AC electric midi buses to be introduced by 2027

BEST, while issuing an official statement, said that the fleet of AC electric midi buses will be introduced in phases during 2026 and 2027. The proposal for procuring the buses had earlier been approved by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on October 30, 2025.

Designed primarily for feeder services and last-mile connectivity, the compact buses will cater to high-density corridors and improve access to metro stations. BEST also added, "The buses feature a 400 mm ultra-low entry floor, making them wheelchair accessible for persons with disabilities (Divyangs)."

They also highlighted that the new buses will be equipped with advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries, fully air suspension systems, fast DC charging technology and a range of safety features.

The fleet includes 360-degree CCTV surveillance, an Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS) and a Fire Detection and Suppression System designed to detect and contain battery compartment fires.

BEST awards supply contract to two companies

BEST while issuing an official statement, said, "GreenCell Mobility will supply 1,050 buses (70 per cent allocation) of the EKA make with a seating capacity of 31+1, while Sai Green will supply the remaining 450 buses (30 per cent allocation) of the Switch EiV9 make with a seating capacity of 33+1."

The induction of the buses will take place in four phases - 225, 375, 450 and 450 buses - across 2026 and 2027, after which they will be deployed at various BEST depots for public service.

Officials said the addition of the new electric midi buses is expected to improve first- and last-mile connectivity, particularly in areas with narrow roads and high commuter demand, while furthering Mumbai's transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable public transport system.