Maha CM directs strategic overhaul for BEST, land to be developed on PPP model with financial partners
Mumbai, June 5
In a bid to ensure the comprehensive revival of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport undertaking, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday directed authorities to prepare an ambitious blueprint focusing on depot development, staff housing, creation of public amenities, and long-term financial self-sustainability.
Emphasising absolute transparency, the Chief Minister ordered all concerned agencies to work in close coordination.
He stressed that the final blueprint for BEST must centre around three core pillars: the welfare of citizens, the well-being of employees, and the long-term development of Mumbai city.
The directives were issued during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Fadnavis on Friday to discuss the modernisation of various BEST bus depots.
"The operation of BEST is not the responsibility of a single organisation, but a collective responsibility of Mumbai City, the Municipal Corporation, and the state government," the Chief Minister said, highlighting the need for continuous dialogue between all government and non-government stakeholders.
According to Chief Minister Fadnavis, the modernisation of BEST depots will be executed in two phases, alongside a phased expansion of the bus fleet.
He explicitly clarified that BEST-owned land will not be sold.
"Instead, spaces will be developed using a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with financial partners. The ownership of the land and assets will strictly remain with BEST under a long-term lease model."
He also added: "Depot monetisation will not be purely commercial. Plans include integrating museums, sports facilities, cultural centres, and social infrastructure."
He suggested exploring the concept of dedicated mini-theatres (300 to 400-seating capacity) within select depots to showcase Marathi cinema at subsidised screen rates.
He said that high-quality, modern residential complexes will be constructed to elevate the living standards of BEST employees.
Aligning with the national vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047' and 'Viksit Maharashtra', the Chief Minister instructed officials to draft a 22-year long-term economic plan for BEST.
"This roadmap must thoroughly evaluate future bus fleet requirements, manpower needs, revenue generation, and expenditure control."
He mandated that project execution rights should only be awarded to institutions possessing high financial and technical capabilities.
To avoid bureaucratic delays, the Chief Minister ordered that all project approvals, permits, and administrative planning be completed in the preparatory phase itself.
Addressing Mumbai's critical parking crisis, he noted that generating extensive public parking spaces through these depot projects would be a major contribution to the city's infrastructure.
In a major move to decongest Mumbai's internal roads, Chief Minister Fadnavis directed the transformation of erstwhile octroi plazas at the city's entry points into multi-modal transport hubs.
"The targeted entry points include Dahisar, Mankhurd, Anand Nagar (Mulund), LBS Road and Airoli Naka. These plazas will be developed equipped with parking lots and passenger boarding/alighting facilities for external private buses."
"By setting up these facilities at the borders, private tourist buses will not need to enter the city, significantly easing Mumbai's traffic congestion," the Chief Minister added.
He also directed officials to hold separate, coordinated discussions with the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation to align intercity government bus operations with this new hub model.
The Chief Minister concluded by demanding a strict, time-bound scheduled program from all departments to ensure the project moves from blueprint to reality at maximum speed.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a daily BEST commuter from Andheri to Churchgate, I have mixed feelings. Yes, the modernisation is needed - the current buses are ancient and overcrowded. But will this PPP model actually improve frequency and reliability? Or will it just mean more profit-driven decisions that ignore passenger convenience? Also, transforming octroi plazas into transport hubs at Dahisar and Mankhurd is smart! That could really cut down traffic. But I'm worried about employee welfare - they deserve proper houses for sure, but we also need fare stability. Already, BEST fares are higher than many cities. Let's hope this doesn't lead to another fare hike. 🚍
Good to see the CM focusing on Mumbai's infrastructure instead of just political rallies. The 22-year plan for Viksit Bharat 2047 sounds ambitious but necessary. However, I am skeptical about "high financial and technical capability" criteria for contractors - in Maharashtra, we've seen big names fail too (remember the Mumbai Metro mess?). Also, why only Marathi cinema in those mini-theatres? Why not all Indian languages? Mumbai is a cosmopolitan city after all. But overall, if they can pull off the depot development with museums and sports facilities, it will be a game-changer for the suburbs. Let's keep a watch on the tenders though - transparency is key! 🎯
I remember when BEST was the pride of Mumbai in the 90s - red double-deckers, efficient service. Then mismanagement killed it. Now Fadnavis is talking about museums, cultural centres, and Marathi cinema... all noble, but will this actually fix the core problem of overcrowded buses and unreliable timings? The PPP model might bring funds, but who guarantees that bus frequency will improve? My wife waits 40 minutes for a bus to Vashi every morning. Also, "staff housing" sounds nice, but what about the thousands of BEST employees who have been demanding salary arrears for months? First clear their dues, then talk about luxury housing. Just saying. 😐
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