Mumbai: In a major boost to Mumbai’s public transport network and green mobility push, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking on Thursday signed an agreement to induct 1,500 new air-conditioned electric 9-metre midi buses into its fleet. Executed under the Central Government’s PM E-DRIVE scheme, the initiative aims to reduce commuter waiting times, navigate congested and narrow streets, and strengthen last-mile connectivity to existing and upcoming metro stations across the city.Following a national competitive bidding process by Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) and approval from the BEST Committee, contracts were awarded on a wet-lease basis to two operators. “M/s Mumbai Vidyut Vahan Operation Pvt. Ltd. will supply 1,050 EKA-make AC midi buses across 10 depots. Similarly, M/s SaiGreen EVM Pvt. Ltd. will supply 450 Switch-make AC midi buses across two depots,” an official said.The agreement was inked in the presence of senior BEST officials, including assistant general managers R. R. Dubal and Ramesh Madavi, deputy general manager R. D. Kare, Chief Accounts Officer Prabhakar Sawant, and industry representatives Siddharth Chaturvedi and Girish Kulkarni.Engineered for commuter comfort and accessibility, each 28-seater bus features a 400 mm ultra-low floor with a kneeling mechanism and an automated wheelchair ramp alongside dedicated wheelchair space. Powered by modular batteries offering a minimum 200 km range per charge and full air suspension, the fleet is equipped with a Fire Detection and Suppression System (FDSS), front and rear disc brakes, 360-degree CCTV, live GPS tracking, remote telematics, and fast USB charging at every seat.Under the 12-year concession agreement, each bus is assured to run 64,800 km annually, with BEST retaining route control and advertising revenue. Approximately 225 buses will join the fleet by March 2027, with the remaining inducted in phases by March 2028.
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