The BEST Workers’ Union has raised objections against any proposal to monetise, redevelop or sell land parcels owned by the undertaking, urging Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to reconsider directions issued on the matter during a recent meeting with employee representatives.
In a letter submitted to Shinde, union leader Shashank Rao opposed discussions held during the June 21 meeting of the BEST Joint Action Committee of Workers, where options including “raising funds through redevelopment of BEST-owned properties and depot lands” were reportedly explored.
Rao argued that BEST’s land assets should not be utilised to address the undertaking’s financial challenges, highlighting that a 2019 memorandum of understanding (MoU) between BEST and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had already established a financial support mechanism. Under the agreement, the BMC had committed to covering BEST’s recurring revenue shortfall and providing funds for the purchase of new buses to replace its ageing fleet.
“The responsibility of providing affordable public transport to Mumbaikars rests with the BMC. There is therefore no justification for raising resources through the sale or redevelopment of BEST lands,” Rao stated in the letter.
The union said that commercial utilisation of transport-related land could impact BEST’s future operational needs, including expansion of depots, parking spaces and other essential infrastructure. It has demanded the immediate withdrawal of all instructions related to monetisation or redevelopment of BEST properties.
However, BEST officials defended the redevelopment proposal, stating that the initiative aims to improve infrastructure while generating additional revenue for the undertaking.
A senior BEST official said, “We are redeveloping some of the depots to create more parking and facilities/amenities for the undertaking while also earning revenue to curtail losses and procure new buses.”
Sources said BEST is aiming to increase its share of non-fare revenue to around 40% of its total earnings in the coming years. The additional income sources would include revenue from advertisements on buses and bus stops, along with earnings generated through redevelopment of select properties.
BEST, which operates Mumbai’s public bus transport network, has been facing financial pressure due to rising operational costs, fleet expansion requirements and the need to modernise its services. The redevelopment plan is being considered as part of efforts to improve financial sustainability while upgrading existing transport facilities.
Source: The Times of India
