In a significant development, Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking is set to welcome 700 brand-new electric double-decker buses into its fleet by May 2024. This promising update comes after a month of apprehension, where the private company Causis E-Mobility faced a “blacklisting” notice for apparent non-compliance with the contract’s terms and conditions. Let’s delve into the details.
The Commitment to Deliver
The news was confirmed by BEST’s General Manager, Vijay Singhal, who revealed that Causis E-Mobility has committed to fulfilling its promise of delivering 700 electric double-decker buses within the stipulated timeframe.
Initially, Causis E-Mobility fell short of fulfilling its contractual obligations, leading to a blacklisting notice from BEST. Such a notice could have marred the company’s reputation significantly. Under the agreement, BEST had authorized two companies to supply a total of 900 double-decker electric buses, with Causis E-Mobility responsible for delivering 700 of them. The remaining 200 double-decker e-buses are being manufactured by Switch Mobility.
BEST Fleet Expansion
In a parallel development, BEST has added twelve new air-conditioned double-decker e-buses to its existing fleet. These buses will replace the single-decker AC buses on the Nariman Point and Cuffe Parade routes, effectively enhancing the comfort and capacity of these routes. This addition brings the total number of electric AC double-deckers in the fleet to 24.
The introduction of these AC electric double-deckers is set to benefit commuters on several prominent routes, including CSMT to Gateway, RC Church to Tardeo, and even Juhu in Andheri and Bandra Kurla Complex. BEST is also contemplating the expansion of these buses’ service routes to cover more areas, further improving public transportation in Mumbai.
Cost and Leasing
Each of these state-of-the-art electric double-decker buses comes with an approximate price tag of โน2 crore. BEST has opted for a wet lease arrangement, at a cost of โน56 per kilometer. This cost-effective approach ensures efficient utilization of these environmentally friendly vehicles.
By March of the following year, BEST is projected to receive an additional 2, 100 AC single-decker e-buses. This move is part of BEST’s ongoing efforts to modernize and expand its fleet. Currently, BEST transports an impressive 30-32 lakh passengers daily with its fleet of 3062 buses. The addition of these electric double-deckers and single-deckers will undoubtedly contribute to a greener and more efficient public transportation system in Mumbai.
With the introduction of 700 AC electric double-deckers and more single-deckers on the horizon, the city’s commuters can look forward to a more comfortable and sustainable way of getting around.