Mumbai: BEST projects Rs 1,317 crore deficit for 2027-28, plans fleet expansion to 10,000 buses

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The BEST Undertaking has projected a deficit of Rs 1317.50 crore for 2027-28, even as it plans to eventually expand its bus fleet to 10,000 to strengthen Mumbai's public transport network. The budget estimates were presented before the BEST Committee by Additional Municipal Commissioner Prajakta Verma on Wednesday. BEST has estimated total income of Rs 8559.06 crore against expenditure of R9876.56 crore. It has also proposed capital expenditure of Rs 647.79 crore for upgrading its electricity and transport infrastructure.

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Transport remains the big drain

The transport division is expected to earn Rs 3551.55 crore against expenditure of Rs 4702.26 crore, resulting in a projected deficit of Rs 1150.71 crore. The electricity division, in contrast, is projected to post a surplus of Rs 201.21 crore, with income of Rs 5007.51 crore against expenditure of Rs 4806.30 crore.

Another 4016 buses to be inducted

BEST currently has a fleet of 2834 buses and plans to eventually increase it to 10,000. Another 4016 buses are being inducted in phases. The expansion includes 1500 electric midi-buses under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme and 200 CNG midi-buses for which tenders have been floated. BEST also plans to introduce open-top double-decker buses for tourist Hop-On Hop-Off services covering Mumbai's heritage landmarks.

More digital, more tracking

The undertaking plans to expand digital ticketing through its ONE Ticket app, with tickets also expected to be available on platforms including Paytm, PhonePe, WhatsApp, RedBus and Rapido. Under the proposed Integrated Transport Management System, buses will get real-time passenger information systems, vehicle tracking and driver-monitoring cameras, all linked to a Central Command and Control Centre. BEST is also planning driving simulators.

Power network upgrade

On the electricity side, BEST has proposed upgrades to its distribution network, including replacement of ageing equipment and laying more than 150 km of high-voltage subsea and ground cables between 2026 and 2028.