The BEST Workers’ Union has raised strong objections to a proposal to lease out 35 officer quarters on Mumbai’s upscale Altamount Roadto private firms, calling it a blow to employee welfare and housing security. The union has appealed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to immediately intervene and cancel the plan.
Union General Secretary Urges Govt To Immediately Scrap The Plan
In a letter addressed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently, Union General Secretary Shashank Rao urged the government to immediately scrap the plan, warning that the move could displace current and future staff from affordable housing originally meant for them.
“These officer quarters were built to provide convenient and economical accommodation for BEST officers, close to their workplace,” the letter stated. “Leasing them to private players not only violates that purpose but also jeopardizes the housing prospects of our employees.”
About The Protest
The protest comes after BEST issued a tender last week inviting bids from private entities to lease the flats for a 30- year period, with an option to extend for another 30 years. The base lease price has been set at Rs 263 crore, and the tender is scheduled to open on August 21.
As per the tender terms, the lessee must pay 25% of the lease amount within 30 days of receiving the letter of acceptance, with the remaining 75% due before possession. The agreement allows the lessee to undertake modifications, provided the built-up area is not increased. Redevelopment may also be permitted during the lease, subject to BMC approval.
Union leaders have voiced fears that the influx of private residents into the staff quarters could alter the social fabric of the colony, compromise security, and push BEST employees towards unaffordable housing options elsewhere in the city.
“There is a genuine concern that leasing these flats to outsiders will disturb the sense of community and cooperation that has developed among employees over the years,” said a senior union member.
While BEST has not issued an official statement on the matter, sources within the organization confirmed that the proposal is part of a larger strategy to tackle its worsening financial situation. With the transport utility facing heavy losses, monetizing high-value real estate is being viewed as a potential revenue stream to support ongoing operations.
However, the union insists that financial recovery should not come at the cost of employee rights. “We understand the financial stress BEST is under, but this is not the solution,” said Rao. “We appeal to the Chief Minister to safeguard the interests of BEST staff and their families.”
Apart from that, Best Jagrut Kamgar Sanghatana, another BEST workers' union, has also voiced strong opposition to the administration's plan to lease staff quarters at Altamount Road through a public tender. In a recent letter to the General Manager, Union General Secretary S. S. Nalawade raised several key objections, describing the move as inappropriate and contrary to the principles of employee welfare.
