BEST crisis worsens after e-bus delivery failure, bias alleged

Once regarded as Mumbai's most dependable mode of public transport, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking is facing one of its gravest crises.

- Kamal Mishra

As per sources, in 2023, Evey Trans Pvt Ltd was awarded a contract to supply around 2,100 electric buses to BEST under a wet lease model. However, the company has so far delivered only 680 buses. Out of 680, a total of 662 (as on 25 October) introduced in service and rest in process of introduction of services. When contacted, a spokesperson of BEST stated, "The required information has been sent to the relevant department and will be shared once received."

Despite this shortfall, the BEST administration reportedly awarded Evey Trans a second contract for 2,400 additional buses, this time at a 58% higher per-kilometre rate, sparking allegations of cronyism and financial impropriety.