BMC Allocates ₹1,000 Crore for BEST Buses in 2025-26 Budget
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has set aside ₹1,000 crore for the BEST bus service in its budget for 2025-26. This shows that the BMC knows about the money problems BEST is facing.
BEST: Mumbai’s Lifeline
BEST, short for Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport, is the second biggest public transport system in Mumbai after the local trains. Every day, more than 30 lakh people use the 3,000 BEST buses to get around the city. The BMC presented its budget on Tuesday. The budget document clearly shows that the BMC is giving this money to BEST because it’s facing financial difficulties.
Where Will the Money Go?
The ₹1,000 crore will be used for several things. These include making the bus system better, buying new buses and equipment, paying off loans, renting buses, increasing employee salaries, day-to-day operations, making the bus system smarter with technology ([[ITMS]] project), paying Diwali bonuses to employees, paying what’s owed to retired employees (pensioners), and paying electricity bills.
Electric Bus Funding
The state government has asked the BMC to pay its share (5%, which is ₹128.65 crore) for buying 2,000 electric buses for Mumbai. It’s not yet clear if this money is part of the ₹1,000 crore or if it’s extra.
BMC’s Continued Support for BEST
The BMC has been helping BEST with its money problems for a long time. Since 2012-13, BMC has given BEST ₹11,304.59 crore. BEST has a lot of debt, almost ₹9,500 crore.
Additional Funding for Electric Buses
Good news for BEST! The 15th Finance Commission has agreed to give ₹992 crore to BEST to buy electric buses. BEST has already received and used ₹493.38 crore. The remaining ₹498.62 crore will be given soon.
Looking Ahead
This financial support from BMC is very important for BEST. It will help BEST keep running and serve the people of Mumbai. This latest news updates show BMC’s commitment to public transport.
