Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has said the state will add 5,000 new electric buses to the BEST fleet within the next six to eight months, as the civic transport undertaking grapples with a shortage of buses and drivers amid rising commuter demand.
Speaking to NDTV, Sarnaik acknowledged that long queues and service gaps, particularly on routes like BKC, have become a growing concern, but said the shortage was a function of Mumbai's expanding population rather than a scaling back of services. "The number of buses and depots hasn't reduced. But more and more people are moving to Mumbai every day, so we are trying to increase the transport system. The load is increasing because of that," Sarnaik said.
On the timeline for new buses, he said a decision had already been taken and would be implemented soon. "As soon as possible, the decision has been made. Going by the BEST union meetings, I expect this to happen in the next six to eight months," he said.
The minister's comments come against the backdrop of a fleet crunch that has been building for years.
The electric bus push itself is not new. BEST has placed orders with four contractors for 4,750 single-decker AC electric buses and 200 double-decker electric buses, with a goal of a fully electric fleet by 2027. However, as per media reports, deliveries have lagged, with only 938 buses, including 154 double-deckers, received so far and the rest staggered across 2026 and 2027 due to supply-side constraints among contractors.
Sarnaik added that the state was working to improve BEST's infrastructure alongside the fleet expansion, with new electric buses to be introduced at existing depots.
The minister's assurance will be closely watched by daily commuters, particularly in high-footfall corridors, where service gaps have drawn repeated complaints during peak hours.
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