The current fleet of BEST comprises approximately 3,000 buses, out of which more than 1,800 are wet-lease buses.
Brihan Mumbai Electric Supply & Transport Undertaking (BEST) has awarded a contract to a consortium consisting of Olectra Greentech Limited and Evey Trans Private Limited. The contract is for the supply, operation, and maintenance of 2,400 electric buses over 12 years on a gross cost contract basis, also known as a wet lease. The agreement includes the delivery of 2,400 electric buses over the next 18 months, with Olectra Greentech Limited being responsible for supplying the buses at an estimated cost of Rs4,000 crore. Evey Trans Private Limited will then procure the buses and Olectra Greentech Limited will be responsible for maintaining them for the duration of the contract.
This contract is aimed at meeting the growing demand for public transportation in the city of Mumbai, as BEST currently has a fleet of just under 3,000 buses, including over 1,800 wet-lease buses. The same consortium had previously secured a contract for 2,100 electric buses on a wet lease, with over 100 buses already in operation despite initial delays due to technical issues.
The consortium is now working to expedite the delivery process, targeting around 50 buses to be supplied monthly under the existing contract. In addition to Mumbai, the two firms have also secured a contract for the supply of 5,150 buses from the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation.
The agreement states that the contract covers 12 years for the operation and maintenance of the electric buses. Evey Trans Private Limited will procure the buses from Olectra Greentech Limited, and the latter will be responsible for maintaining the buses throughout the contract period. This contract is a step towards a sustainable future as electric buses are environment-friendly and will help reduce pollution in the city, making it a cleaner and healthier place to live. The initiative is expected to generate employment opportunities and boost the economic growth of the region.
