Mumbai Civil Society To Protest Across 20 Depots On BEST Divas Against Bus Privatization And Land Monetisation
Led by the city-based campaign group Aamchi Mumbai Aamchi BEST, the protest is part of a growing movement demanding urgent reforms to protect and expand the city’s iconic bus network, operated by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking.

Mumbai Civil Society To Protest Across 20 Depots On BEST Divas Against Bus Privatization And Land Monetization |
In a strong show of public resistance against the perceived dismantling of Mumbai’s public bus system, over 20 civil society organizations will hold coordinated protests across 20 BEST depots on Thursday, August 7 observed annually as BEST Divas.
Led by the city-based campaign group Aamchi Mumbai Aamchi BEST, the protest is part of a growing movement demanding urgent reforms to protect and expand the city’s iconic bus network, operated by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking.
The coalition comprising 23 groups including trade unions, student organizations, environmental collectives, and women's groups — says the protest is a response to the rapid decline in the number of BEST-owned buses, rising fares, and controversial plans to monetize depot lands.
Shrinking Fleet and Growing Privatization.
Activists have flagged serious concerns over the dwindling number of BEST-operated buses. According to campaigners, the current fleet stands at just 2,594 buses, of which only 437 are owned by BEST. The remaining buses are operated under a wet-lease model, where private contractors run services on behalf of the undertaking.
“This over-reliance on private contractors has led to deteriorating service quality, compromised safety, and a dilution of public accountability,” said a spokesperson for Aamchi Mumbai Aamchi BEST. “It’s a systematic push towards privatization at the cost of the city’s commuters."
Fare Hike and Land Monetization Spark Outrage
Public frustration intensified earlier this year after a fare hike in May 2025, which activists claim led to an immediate drop in ridership, particularly among students, the working class, and senior citizens.
Adding to the concerns are plans by BEST and the BMC to lease or sell depot lands to private builders in the name of generating “non-fare revenue.” Protestors argue that these moves endanger the long-term viability of a public-run transport system.
“Depot lands are public assets. Handing them over to real estate developers will cripple any future possibility of reviving a strong public transport system,” said an active member of 'Aamchi Mumbai Aamchi BEST'
Ground Mobilization on August 7
The main protest is scheduled between 3 PM and 5 PM on Thursday, with demonstrators expected to gather at 20 major BEST depots across Mumbai. At each protest location, demonstrators plan to submit a charter of demands to depot officials. These include a call to increase the number of BEST-owned buses, halt the outsourcing of services to private contractors, stop the proposed sale or lease of depot lands, and reverse the recent fare hike that activists say has burdened daily commuters.
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“This is not just about saving buses,” said one organizer. “It’s about protecting the soul of Mumbai. Public transport is what keeps this city running — and it must remain public.”
Local Actions Planned in Borivali
As part of the campaign, activists will also hold an awareness drive on Thursday morning from 10 am to 11 am at the bus stop near Borivali Police Station, near Borivali West railway station.
Following the leaflet campaign, representatives will visit Gorai Bus Depot at 11:30 am to submit their memorandum of demands. A similar submission is scheduled for 12:30 pm at Magathane Depot, an active member of the campaign confirmed.
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