Mumbai: BEST committee flags safety concerns over electric bus fleet

Officials and staff inspect facilities at the Kurla West bus depot during a visit that raised concerns over electric bus operations, brake pressure checks, and charging infrastructure. Pics/By Special Arrangement

Serious concerns have been raised over the safety and operational readiness of Mumbai's electric bus fleet after members of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) committee claimed that several e-buses are being withdrawn for checks after every trip due to drops in air brake pressure.

During an inspection of the Kurla West bus depot, committee members reviewed log books, interacted with staff and assessed operations. They alleged that inadequate air pressure in braking systems was forcing buses to be taken off routes, raising questions about passenger safety and fleet reliability. It was also found that there were only 14 charging points available for 70 electric buses at the depot.

Quick view

Brake issue:
>> Committee members claim some buses are being recalled after every trip for brake pressure checks

Charging issue:
>> 70 electric buses stationed at Kurla depot
>> Only 14 charging points available

Key concerns:
>> Passenger safety
>> Fleet reliability
>> Reduced bus availability
>> Operational delays

Charging bottleneck

Committee members also flagged the "severe shortage" of charging infrastructure at the depot.

With only 14 charging points for a fleet of 70 buses, not all vehicles can be charged simultaneously, potentially affecting daily deployment and route availability.

Transport observers said such bottlenecks can reduce fleet utilisation and undermine efforts to expand electric public transport services.

What the committee found

According to committee members:
>> Air brake pressure levels were reportedly dropping during operations
>> Depot staff were allegedly required to inspect buses after each trip
>> Log books and operational records were examined during the inspection
>> The findings have triggered demands for a comprehensive safety audit of the entire electric bus fleet
Critics have questioned how electric buses with recurring mechanical issues, if confirmed, were allowed to continue operating on public routes.

Operators respond

Electric bus operators rejected suggestions that the issue stems from the vehicles themselves, arguing that similar buses are operating across India without widespread complaints.

"These buses are running across the country in all major cities and urban hubs. There are no such complaints there. It is more about the way these buses are handled, driver training and the way the buses are maintained."

Electric bus operator official

Official response awaited

BEST authorities had not issued an official response to the committee's findings till press time. The inspection has reignited debate over the safety, maintenance standards, and operational management of electric buses being inducted into Mumbai's public transport network.

70
Electric buses at Kurla depot

14
Charging points available

1:5
Approximate charger-to-bus ratio

56
Buses without access to a dedicated charging point at any given time