Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) is preparing for a major expansion and technology upgrade under its proposed budget for the 2027-28 financial year.
The plan includes increasing the bus fleet, expanding digital ticketing, introducing real-time tracking services and strengthening passenger safety measures. One of the key proposals is the addition of 1,500 new electric midi buses to the BEST fleet.
BEST has also invited tenders for 200 CNG midi buses as part of its broader plan to increase public transport capacity in Mumbai and surrounding areas.
Midi buses are medium-sized passenger vehicles, generally measuring between 8 and 10 metres, and are designed to operate more easily on narrow urban roads.
BEST Plans Major Increase in Bus Fleet
BEST had a total fleet of 2,834 buses at the end of September 2026. The transport undertaking plans to raise this number to 4,016 buses in phases, with a long-term target of reaching 10,000 buses.
Under the current expansion plan, 1,500 electric midi buses will be procured through the central government’s PM e-Drive scheme.
The procurement process for another 200 CNG midi buses has also begun. BEST buses currently serve around 2.5 million passengers every day across Mumbai and nearby areas.
The proposed increase in fleet strength is expected to improve the availability of buses and provide additional options for daily commuters.
QR Ticketing and Real-Time Bus Tracking
BEST is also looking to expand its digital ticketing network. The proposed QR code-based ticketing system could be made available through multiple digital platforms using the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
Platforms mentioned in the proposal include Charter, PhonePe, Paytm, WhatsApp, redBus, Rapido and Namma Yatri.
The Integrated Transport Management System will also continue, offering features such as real-time bus tracking, enhanced passenger information and automatic vehicle location.
The budget further proposes setting up a central command and control centre to manage routes and bus schedules more efficiently.
Driver Training and Passenger Safety
Driver training is another area receiving attention in the proposed budget. BEST plans to install advanced bus-driving simulators at its Dindoshi Training Centre.
The simulators will be used to train drivers in areas such as hazard recognition, handling difficult weather conditions and fuel-efficient driving. The initiative is aimed at improving driving skills and reducing accidents.
BEST has also proposed setting up a Security Operations Centre to monitor cyber threats and identify vulnerabilities in its systems.
The transport undertaking plans to take further steps towards obtaining ISO 27001 certification as part of its efforts to strengthen information security.
Open-Top Double-Decker Buses for Tourism
The budget also includes a tourism-focused proposal involving open-top double-decker buses.
BEST plans to introduce these buses for tourism services in Mumbai, including potential heritage routes. The initiative is intended to provide visitors with another way to explore the city’s landmarks and heritage areas.
Overall, the proposed BEST budget focuses on expanding the bus network while combining fleet modernisation with digital services, driver training, passenger safety and tourism initiatives.