Citizens’ forum Aamchi Mumbai Aamchi BEST (AMAB) has opposed the Maharashtra government’s proposal to redevelop BEST bus depots through long-term leases to private developers, arguing that the move could affect the future of Mumbai’s public bus transport system.
The organisation described the proposal as a threat to the city’s bus infrastructure, stating that commercial projects such as malls, residential towers and shopping complexes on depot land could reduce the space available for bus parking, maintenance workshops and staff facilities. AMAB has announced plans to stage a protest and submit a representation to BEST General Manager Sonia Sethi.
The forum said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ assurance that the depot land would remain under BEST’s ownership does not address concerns over the operational impact of large-scale commercial redevelopment. According to AMAB, the city’s 26 bus depots are public assets built over several decades and are essential for accommodating a larger fleet of buses in the future.
The organisation also questioned the government’s claim that revenue generated from redevelopment would strengthen public transport, alleging that the proposal could gradually lead to the commercialisation of both depot land and bus services.
Responding to the criticism, a BEST official denied any plans to privatise the undertaking. “We continue as public transport service across Mumbai and there is no such objective of privatisation of fleet,” the official said, adding that non-fare revenue from redevelopment would be utilised to purchase new buses and introduce technology-driven improvements.
The debate comes weeks after the state government announced the procurement of 5,000 BEST-owned buses following the withdrawal of a three-day strike by employees after the intervention of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
AMAB argued that the strike highlighted Mumbai’s dependence on BEST services, particularly as suburban trains remain heavily crowded and Metro travel is beyond the reach of many commuters. The forum reiterated its demand to merge the BEST budget with that of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), increase the fleet to 6,000 buses initially and eventually 10,000, and halt the leasing of depots for commercial redevelopment. It maintained that public transport should be treated as an essential public service supported through government funding rather than expected to operate as a profit-making enterprise.
Source: The Times of India
