10 new electric AC buses for BKC lying unused in Mumbai’s BEST depots for three months now

The MMDRA, which has purchased these buses, has not yet decided when to launch them

Ten hybrid electric air-conditioned buses worth around Rs 1.61 crore each, procured by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to operate in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), have been gathering dust at the bus depot for more than three months now.

There are 10 such buses lying unused in the city’s BEST depots. (HT File Photo)

The MMRDA has ordered 25 hybrid electric buses that the BEST is meant to operate between BKC, one of the city’s biggest business hubs, and the railway stations closest to it, that is, Kurla, Bandra and Sion. Of these, they have received 10 buses, in two batches of five,” a source in the BEST said, on condition of anonymity.

About the buses

The 32-seater buses are air-conditioned, have low floors and have facilities such as mobile charging points, digital displays, passenger announcement system, bucket seats, WiFi and an automatic fare collection system.

The BS IV-compliant buses run on diesel and electric power. The buses have advanced lithium ion phosphate batteries that get recharged while the engine is running. Its electronic braking mechanism also generates power each time the driver hits the brake.

The BEST will operate these buses between BKC and Bandra, Kurla and Sion railway stations.

The tickets are expected to cost between Rs15 and Rs25.

The first batch arrived in September, and the second arrived in the beginning of October, the official said, adding that the buses are road ready as they have been registered at the Regional Transport Authority and have received permits. “The BEST has also given drivers who will operate these buses the necessary training. But there is no sign of these buses being introduced on the roads,” the official said. “They are just gathering dust at the BEST’s Anik, Kurla and Dharavi depots.”

BEST officials said they are ready to start operating the buses. However, they are owned by the MMRDA, so it has to decide when to launch them. However, the MMRDA, which comes under the state government’s jurisdiction, is yet to decide when to start the service. The MMRDA spokesperson did not respond, despite repeated queries.