Mumbai: BMC Receives 2,700 Public Suggestions For 2025-26 Budget, Focus On BEST Improvements

The BMC has received around 2,700 suggestions and objections related to various departments and projects for the financial year 2025-26. A significant portion of these suggestions are focused on the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking, with submissions primarily made through letters and emails by BEST unions and citizens.

Several residents' organizations have also submitted their suggestions for the upcoming budget. The Chandivali Citizens Welfare Association, for instance, has sent a letter to the BMC with their recommendations. They have suggested that the BMC should provide an online RTI facility for transparency and better access to information. The misuse of public funds in distributing free items like pressure cookers, sarees, and other materials in wards should be stopped. A policy should be formulated to regulate the use of gas cylinders on roads.

Similarly, BEST unions have suggested that the fleet should be immediately expanded with a mix of single-decker, double-decker, and midi buses that are self-owned to better serve the public. Additionally, they recommend that the state government provide toll exemptions for BEST buses. The redevelopment of BEST-owned properties should be directly managed and completed by the Municipal Corporation, rather than outsourcing it to private builders. This marks the third consecutive year that the BMC has sought public input in the absence of an elected body. The budget estimates are expected to be presented on or before February 5.