Mumbai: BEST inducts 44 new AC electric buses, expands services across five routes

Mumbais public transport operator BEST has inducted 44 new fully airconditioned electric buses into its fleet with the vehicles set to operate on five routes from the Magathane Depot The addition is expected to increase passenger capacity on busy routes and improve commuting convenience across parts of the cityThe 12metrelong buses were introduced on Tuesday November 3 2026 at an event held at the Magathane Depot in the presence of BEST Committee Chairperson Trupti Vishwasrao and other dignitariesThe buses have been deployed through Evey Trans Maharashtra Pvt Ltd under a rental arrangement BEST said the additional vehicles would help accommodate more passengers on highdemand routes and reduce waiting times at bus stopsBEST fleet expansion under wayEvey Trans Maharashtra Pvt Ltd has received a purchase order to operate 2400 fully airconditioned 12metrelong electric buses on a rental basis Of these 50 buses had already been inducted into the BEST fleet before the latest additionWith the introduction of the 44 new buses the companys total contribution to the BEST fleet has increased to 94 vehiclesBEST is also expanding its fleet under the Ministry of Heavy Industries PME Drive scheme A purchase order has been issued for 1500 airconditioned midi buses while another order covers 2400 fully airconditioned 12metrelong buses Under the scheme 2000 buses are expected to be inducted into the BEST fleetThe expansion is part of efforts to increase the availability of public transport in Mumbai while gradually shifting towards electric mobilityNew buses feature improved seating and charging systemsThe newly inducted buses come with several features aimed at improving passenger comfort and operational efficiencyAccording to BEST the battery weight in the vehicles has been reduced by 16 per cent with the batteries positioned in the lower section of the buses instead of on the roof This arrangement is intended to improve the use of space and reduce the weight carried by the vehiclesOf the 44 buses 41 have been provided with a more spacious seating arrangement The buses also feature passengerfriendly doors to facilitate boarding and make travel more convenientThe vehicles are equipped with a Combined Charging System CCS2 which the undertaking said enables battery charging at a rate 58 faster than the previous systemThe 12metrelong buses are expected to improve passenger movement on crowded routes by providing additional capacity during peak travel hoursSafety features include CCTV cameras and emergency buttonsThe buses are equipped with several safety and monitoring systems including antilock braking systems ABS hydraulic powerassisted steering CCTV cameras a Vehicle Tracking System VTS and emergency panic buttonsVideo analytics facilities connected to a commandandcontrol centre in Agara will also be used to monitor the vehicles Their movements will be tracked through the control room during regular operationsThe buses are fully electric and produce no tailpipe emissions Their deployment is expected to help reduce pollution from public transport vehicles including noise and exhaust emissionsFive routes to be served from Magathane DepotAll 44 buses will operate from the Magathane Depot on five different routes The services will connect commuters from several locations in the eastern and western suburbsThe buses will operate from Kandivali Bus Station East Sangharsh Nagar in Chandivali Samata Nagar Bus Station in Kandivali East and Magathane DepotThe newly inducted fleet will also provide connectivity to Borivali Station East Thane Station East and Mira Road Station EastThe vehicles feature a lightweight body design electric propulsion technology fastcharging capability and long battery life