The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport (BEST) has announced a Diwali 2025 bonus of Rs 31,000 each for its 23,596 officers and employees, the undertaking said on Friday.
The ex-gratia amount, which has been credited directly to the bank accounts of the employees, marks an increase compared to last year, BEST said in a statement.
“The atmosphere among BEST officers and employees is joyous as the bonus has been deposited in their bank accounts ahead of Diwali,” the statement added.
On Thursday, a statement from Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde`s office had said that the employees will receive a bonus of Rs 31,000.
Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation also announced ex-gratia payment of Rs 31,000 for its staff for Diwali. The announcement was made on Thursday.
“Each eligible BMC officer and employee along with teachers and non-teaching staff of aided private primary and secondary schools, including teaching assistants and education service workers will receive Rs 31,000 as ex-gratia. Ex-gratia will also be given to shikshan sevaks and employees of teacher training institutes (aided and unaided),” a BMC release said.
In addition, community health volunteers (CHVs) will be given `Bhai Dooj` gift of Rs 14,000, while kindergarten teachers and helpers will receive Rs 5,000, the release added.
The employees of Thane Municipal Corporation will receive a bonus of Rs 24,500 each while Navi Mumbai civic staffers will get the highest bonus, of Rs 34,500.
BEST to run 134 extra buses across city on Bhai Dooj for Diwali commuters
To ensure smooth travel for commuters during the Diwali festivities, the BEST Undertaking has announced the operation of 134 additional buses across Mumbai and adjoining areas on October 23, marking the Bhaubij (Bhai Dooj) celebrations.
The extra buses will be deployed on various busy routes across Mumbai city, eastern and western suburbs, Mira Road, Bhayander, and key locations in Thane—including Marathon Chowk, Kopri, Cadbury Junction, and Dadlani Park. Services will also be strengthened in Navi Mumbai, covering areas such as Koparkhairane, Nerul, Airoli, Ghansoli Village, and CBD Belapur.
To manage the festive rush, bus inspectors and transport officers will be stationed at major bus stops and outside railway stations to assist passengers and ensure efficient crowd management.
BEST has urged citizens to make maximum use of the additional bus services during the Diwali celebrations for a convenient and safe commute.
