Mumbai: Rainwater leaks into BEST buses during pre-monsoon showers

Rainwater collects on passenger seats inside a BEST bus after water leaked through the roof during Wednesday’s showers. Pics/By Special Arrangement

Mumbai's first monsoon showers on Wednesday exposed a glaring problem in parts of the BEST fleet, with rainwater leaking through the roofs of several buses and collecting on passenger seats.

Commuters reported water dripping from the ceiling of buses, forcing passengers to vacate affected seats, while some attempted to shield themselves from the leaks during the journey.

Several seats were left soaked and unusable as rainwater seeped into a BEST bus during Mumbai's first monsoon rain

The incidents have raised concerns over the condition and monsoon readiness of buses operating across the city, particularly as heavier rainfall is expected in the coming weeks.

Buses flagged by commuters

According to BEST committee member Ajay Singh, complaints were received from passengers travelling in the following buses:
>> 4116
>> 4041
>> 4140
>> 4045
Most of the buses are reportedly attached to the Oshiwara depot.

What commuters experienced

Water drips from the roof of a BEST bus while it is in service, forcing passengers to avoid affected seats

>> Water leaking through bus roofs during Wednesday's rain
>> Passenger seats getting soaked and becoming unusable
>> Forced to shift seats to avoid getting drenched
Commuters raised questions over pre-monsoon inspections and maintenance by BEST.

Voices

Shubham Padave, bus enthusiast
‘Leakage in brand new buses. Again, questions are being raised on BEST about what sort of testing they are conducting before introducing buses into service.'

Harshad Joshi, a member of a bus enthusiasts' community from Mulund
‘This is very bad. BEST must be careful and inspect buses for all seasons before accepting them into the fleet. The buses ferry lakhs of Mumbai commuters, and it is a question of their trust.'