Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to prepare a comprehensive redevelopment strategy for the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking, ensuring that public welfare, employee interests and the city’s long-term development objectives remain at the centre of the plan.
The direction was issued during a recent review meeting on the proposed modernisation of BEST’s bus depot network. The redevelopment programme covers 22 depots spread across nearly 132 acres in Mumbai and is aimed at upgrading transport infrastructure while strengthening the undertaking’s financial sustainability.
According to details presented during the meeting, the project is proposed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and will include a mix of transport, residential, commercial and public-use developments. Fadnavis emphasised that the initiative should not be viewed solely as a revenue-generation exercise and must incorporate facilities that serve broader social and community needs.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure that employee housing, commuter amenities and public infrastructure form an integral part of the redevelopment blueprint. Plans presented to the government include the addition of 7,000 buses to the BEST fleet, installation of smart electric vehicle charging systems and construction of residential accommodation for staff.
The proposal also envisages commercial developments such as office spaces, shopping centres and retail facilities, alongside public plazas, art galleries and parking infrastructure. Fadnavis further suggested examining the feasibility of establishing dedicated 300- to 400-seat theatres for Marathi cinema at selected depot locations.
He also called for the inclusion of museums, sports facilities and cultural centres, stating that redeveloped depots should function as vibrant public spaces rather than purely commercial projects.
Clarifying concerns over land ownership, Fadnavis stated that no BEST-owned land would be sold as part of the programme. Instead, all land and assets would remain under BEST’s ownership, with development being carried out through PPP arrangements and long-term lease agreements.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to align the project with the state’s ‘Developed Maharashtra’ vision and the national ‘Developed India 2047’ roadmap. The long-term plan is expected to account for future transport requirements, workforce planning, expenditure management and revenue generation.
To ease congestion at Mumbai’s entry points, Fadnavis proposed creating transport hubs at octroi checkposts in Dahisar, Mankhurd, Mulund and Airoli. These hubs could serve as interchange and parking facilities for buses entering the city from surrounding regions.
BEST General Manager Dr. Sonia Sethi informed the meeting that the redevelopment of all 22 depots is being planned on the lines of transport infrastructure seen in global cities such as Singapore, Paris, Hong Kong and London. The projects are proposed to be executed under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model.
Source: Prop News Time
