The proposed redevelopment of 22 BEST depots under the public-private partnership (PPP) model has sparked opposition from citizens’ group Aamchi Mumbai Aamchi BEST, which has accused the civic administration and the Maharashtra government of risking the future of Mumbai’s public transport network.
The group has announced a protest outside the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters at 3.30 pm on Thursday, August 27, against the proposal approved by the civic body on August 18. The organisation has demanded that the land handover plan be withdrawn and the redevelopment decision be reconsidered.
Opposition To Depot Land Transfer
The citizens’ group has raised concerns over the government’s ‘Kayakalp’ redevelopment plan, which involves handing over prime BEST depot land for redevelopment through private participation. It has claimed that the move could weaken the financial position of the undertaking and impact its ability to provide affordable and reliable public transport services.
Under the proposed redevelopment model, the depots would include facilities such as schools, hospitals, art museums, theatres, sports complexes and parking spaces for nearly 36,000 vehicles.
However, Aamchi Mumbai Aamchi BEST has questioned the requirement of creating such facilities on BEST land, pointing out that several existing government schools and hospitals are struggling with financial and infrastructure challenges. The group has alleged that the redevelopment initiative could eventually benefit private developers more than citizens.
Demand To Expand BEST-Owned Bus Fleet
The protest has also highlighted concerns over BEST’s wet-lease model, with the group demanding its immediate withdrawal. It has argued that BEST should have greater ownership and control over bus operations, maintenance and services.
The organisation has called for increasing BEST’s own fleet to at least 10,000 buses and urged the BMC to provide sufficient financial assistance while clearing the undertaking’s accumulated deficits.
It has also opposed transferring depot land to private entities and demanded an immediate reversal of the decision. Coordinators Vidyadhar Date and Husain Indorewala have appealed to BEST employees, workers’ unions and Mumbai residents to participate in the protest and support their demands.
Source: The Free Press Journal
