While lakhs of Mumbaikars struggle daily with long waits and overcrowded buses, close to 100 mini buses have been lying unused for over a year at the Anik depot in Sion, a stark symbol of public transport mismanagement.
Contract Terminated After Multiple Violations
The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) had signed a wet lease agreement in December 2019 with private operator M P Enterprises to operate 275 mini buses across the city. However, the contract was terminated in December 2022 due to a series of violations, including: Frequent bus breakdowns, operational irregularities, PF contribution defaults, failure to meet service benchmarks
“The operator had ceased services even before the formal termination,” said a BEST official. The case is now with the Interim Resolution Professional (IRP) appointed by the NCLT, and the buses are under liquidation.
Union Blasts BEST's Dependence on Private Operators
Union leaders have condemned the BEST administration’s reliance on wet lease buses, blaming it for leaving the system vulnerable.
Suhas Samant, president of the BEST Kamgar Sena, said, “The contractor backed off, and since the matter is in court, BEST is helpless. These buses were meant to ease the commute for Mumbaikars, now they’re rusting in weeds while people suffer.”
Manpower Crisis & Maintenance Gaps
Samant stressed that the excessive dependence on wet lease buses has hollowed out BEST’s internal capacity. Out of more than 2,300 buses, BEST owns only 300 today.
“We need over 3,000 buses under BEST ownership to meet city demand,” he said.“There are no conductors, no drivers, and barely any mechanics. That’s why accidents are increasing, just like the recent tragedy in Kurla.”
He added that staff shortages, worsened by outsourcing, are directly affecting commuter safety and reliability.
'Public Funds, Private Control Must End'
Despite massive subsidies from the state government, Centre, and BMC, private contractors continue to dominate operations.
Samant concluded, “It’s time full control is brought back to BEST. Public transport should not be at the mercy of private players.”
