BEST Adds 48 Electric AC Buses in Mumbai Ahead of Diwali

BEST Adds 48 New Electric AC Buses in Mumbai Ahead of Diwali, Boosting Connectivity Across Kandivali, Borivali and Thane

Mumbai's public transportation network is set to become more comfortable and environmentally friendly as the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking adds 48 new electric air-conditioned buses ahead of Diwali. Introduced at the Magathane depot on November 3, 2026, the new buses will operate across five routes, improving connectivity between residential neighborhoods and major suburban railway stations.

The launch took place in the presence of BEST Committee Chairperson Trishna Vishwasrao and other officials. The addition is expected to increase passenger capacity, improve commuting convenience, and help reduce waiting times on busy routes.

BEST Electric Buses to Connect Kandivali, Borivali, Thane and Mira Road

The 48 new electric AC buses have been leased from EV Trans Maharashtra Pvt. Ltd. and will operate from the Magathane depot across five selected routes.

The services will connect Kandivali Bus Station East, Sangharsh Nagar in Chandivali, Samata Nagar Bus Station in Kandivali East, and Magathane with important railway stations in Borivali, Thane, and Mira Road.

These routes are expected to benefit daily commuters traveling between residential areas and suburban railway stations. The additional buses will also help improve public transport availability during busy morning and evening hours.

New BEST Buses Offer Faster Charging and Improved Passenger Safety

Each 12-meter-long electric bus can accommodate 41 passengers and comes with several features designed to improve comfort, convenience, and safety.

The buses feature wider entrance doors for easier boarding and improved battery technology. According to BEST, the battery weight has been reduced by 16%, with the batteries relocated from the rooftop to the underside of the vehicle.

The new buses also support CCS-2 charging technology, which allows batteries to charge 58% faster than the earlier system.

Key features include:

• Seating capacity for 41 passengers.
• Advanced CCTV camera surveillance.
• Emergency panic buttons for passenger safety.
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
• Vehicle tracking technology.
• Faster battery charging facilities.
• Centralized monitoring through a command-and-control center.

These improvements are expected to support smoother bus operations while providing passengers with a safer and more comfortable travel experience.

BEST Plans Major Expansion of Its Electric Bus Fleet

The latest induction is part of BEST's broader strategy to modernize Mumbai's public transportation system and increase the number of electric buses on city roads.

EV Trans Maharashtra Pvt. Ltd. has received a purchase order for 2,400 single-decker electric AC buses. Before the latest launch, the company had supplied 50 buses with rooftop batteries. With the addition of 48 new buses, its total contribution to BEST's fleet has reached 98 buses.

Separately, BEST has also placed an order for 1,500 midi-sized AC electric buses under the Central Government's PM E-Drive scheme.

These procurement plans are expected to significantly increase BEST's electric bus capacity and improve public transport services across Mumbai and its surrounding areas.

Electric Buses to Support Cleaner and Greener Public Transport in Mumbai

The introduction of 48 new electric AC buses marks another step toward reducing pollution from public transportation in Mumbai. Unlike conventional diesel buses, these electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions, helping improve local air quality and reduce noise pollution.

For daily passengers, the immediate benefits are expected to include more bus services, improved connectivity, comfortable air-conditioned travel, and better access to suburban railway stations.

With additional electric buses planned under its ongoing procurement programs, BEST is working toward building a more efficient, accessible, and sustainable public transportation network for Mumbai residents.