What went wrong with BEST

What went wrong with BEST


Bombay Electric Supply & Transport is going through worst phase since its inception. It is near and dear to Mumbaikars and it is unfortunate to see condition today.

BEST has to borrow money to pay salaries. Those who retired have not been paid gratuity.


As such for condition of BEST those who are or were handling affairs are only responsible .


What went wrong ?


1) Decision to separate electric supply and transport.


This decision was suicidal. Britishers knew that city transport requires funding and hence they combined 2. Our decision makers separated 2.


2) Traffic in Mumbai


Slow moving traffic has made it unviable to take Bus and waste time.


3) Better Alternatives


Bus travellers today have option of Share Auto , Metro , Monorail etc.


4) Cheap vehicle loans


Today one can buy 2 wheeler with token down payment of Rs 1/- Rest can be paid in easy installments. There is lot of saving of time.


5) Bad route planning


There are few routes which are in.demand. there are few which have low occupancy.Proper study and deployment was not done. If you observe airlines they ply on routes wherein they get more passengers. Just because someone wants flight to Nanded and if there are not enough passengers they will simply not fly .( Name of place is for example only )


6) Role of Corporators.


BEST has been made to take strategic decision under committee of Corporators.

Are they bringing money from BMC ? First they have to bring money and then interfere in the process.


7) Lack of State Support


In all other cities and state it has been observed that Transport Undertaking is not profitable business. There is higher consumption of fuel , maintenance cost etc. Also there is cap on ticket rates. If you charge too much then people look for other transport options. In view of pressure to keep ticket cost low there is no recovery and hence loss.

As such BMC or Maharashtra Government need to include certain amount in their budget. All capital purchases to be done by them and only operating cost to be recovered by ticket sale.


8) Stubborn attitude of Parent


Mai-Baap if disowns child then what will happen ? There was time when Municipal Commissioner was asking BEST to make budget which would be surplus. Now BEST is not earning by way of Property Tax , Water Charge , New Construction etc. From where will they bring money ?


9) Failure to know customer


BEST was run in Same old fashion without any improvement. Take example of railway in last few years there are so many improvements.

BEST should include more comfort in travel , AC is no more luxury and is need of the hour. Wi Fi , mobile charging , entertainment all this to be included.


What needs to be done ?


1) Immediate financial Support


State Government , BMC and if possible Central Government need to give financial support to BEST and bridge the gap.


2) Guaranttee for borrowing


State Government stands guaranttee for loans taken by MMRDA. Why not to BEST ?


3) New Fleet


State Govetnment need to look at how to scrap old buses and bring new which are non polluting and low on maintenance.

Chennai has already planned for the same.

Even wet leasing option to be looked at.

New buses to be of smaller size.


4) Real Estate Development.


In city of Mumbai BEST have property at very convenient locations. These Bus Depots can be developed by constructing multi on top and leasing for commercial purpose wherein rents shall be higher.


5) Permanent Budget Allocation


If Railway Budget can be included in Central Budget then why not BEST budget in.State ?


6) Merge Electricity and Transport


Reverse earlier mistake.


7) Dedicated Bus Lanes.


Like in city of Pune ,Ahmedabad , Surat , Indore etc. Dedicated lanes for plying buses only to be created in Mumbai.


Together we can bring back BEST to past glory.


Datt Udas