Mumbai News: CM Devendra Fadnavis Unveils New BEST Plan – AC Buses, Smart GPS, Depot Upgrades & Marathi Theatre

Mumbai: A review meeting of the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) initiative was held at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on April 25. The meeting focused on enhancing public transport services in the city, with key decisions made to improve the commuter experience and boost revenue.

The chief minister directed the implementation of modern, air-conditioned buses to ensure a comfortable, safe, and punctual commute for Mumbaikars. He also emphasised the use of GPS technology to provide real-time bus location updates to passengers and suggested several measures to increase BEST’s revenue.

An X post shared by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis discussed plans to improve Mumbai’s transport system for daily commuters. He also mentioned the key officials present at the meeting, including Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister Ashish Shelar, and other senior officials.

Plans to redevelop bus depots in Bandra, Dindoshi, and Deonar were discussed, with suggestions to include commercial and residential components. A proposal to build theatres at five locations, particularly to promote Marathi cinema, was also put forward. Additionally, it was recommended that three per cent of the municipal budget be allocated to transport for BEST’s financial stability.

Currently, BEST operates 2,783 buses, including 875 electric ones, and aims to fully electrify its fleet by 2027. Plans to procure 2,400 more electric buses and integrate GPS tracking via a Google app were confirmed. BEST also proposed toll and tax waivers, and resolution of employee arrears, to which the CM responded positively.