Mumbai’s public transport operator BEST has inducted 44 new fully air-conditioned electric buses into its fleet, with the vehicles set to operate on five routes from the Magathane Depot. The addition is expected to increase passenger capacity on busy routes and improve commuting convenience across parts of the city.
The 12-metre-long buses were introduced on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at an event held at the Magathane Depot in the presence of BEST Committee Chairperson Trupti Vishwasrao and other dignitaries.
The buses have been deployed through Evey Trans Maharashtra Pvt. Ltd. under a rental arrangement. BEST said the additional vehicles would help accommodate more passengers on high-demand routes and reduce waiting times at bus stops.
BEST fleet expansion under way
Evey Trans Maharashtra Pvt. Ltd. has received a purchase order to operate 2,400 fully air-conditioned, 12-metre-long electric buses on a rental basis. Of these, 50 buses had already been inducted into the BEST fleet before the latest addition.
With the introduction of the 44 new buses, the company’s total contribution to the BEST fleet has increased to 94 vehicles.
BEST is also expanding its fleet under the Ministry of Heavy Industries’ PME Drive scheme. A purchase order has been issued for 1,500 air-conditioned midi buses, while another order covers 2,400 fully air-conditioned, 12-metre-long buses. Under the scheme, 2,000 buses are expected to be inducted into the BEST fleet.
The expansion is part of efforts to increase the availability of public transport in Mumbai while gradually shifting towards electric mobility.
New buses feature improved seating and charging systems
The newly inducted buses come with several features aimed at improving passenger comfort and operational efficiency.
According to BEST, the battery weight in the vehicles has been reduced by 16 per cent, with the batteries positioned in the lower section of the buses instead of on the roof. This arrangement is intended to improve the use of space and reduce the weight carried by the vehicles.
Of the 44 buses, 41 have been provided with a more spacious seating arrangement. The buses also feature passenger-friendly doors to facilitate boarding and make travel more convenient.
The vehicles are equipped with a Combined Charging System (CCS-2), which the undertaking said enables battery charging at a rate 58% faster than the previous system.
The 12-metre-long buses are expected to improve passenger movement on crowded routes by providing additional capacity during peak travel hours.
Safety features include CCTV cameras and emergency buttons
The buses are equipped with several safety and monitoring systems, including anti-lock braking systems (ABS), hydraulic power-assisted steering, CCTV cameras, a Vehicle Tracking System (VTS) and emergency panic buttons.
Video analytics facilities connected to a command-and-control centre in Agara will also be used to monitor the vehicles. Their movements will be tracked through the control room during regular operations.
The buses are fully electric and produce no tailpipe emissions. Their deployment is expected to help reduce pollution from public transport vehicles, including noise and exhaust emissions.
Five routes to be served from Magathane Depot
All 44 buses will operate from the Magathane Depot on five different routes. The services will connect commuters from several locations in the eastern and western suburbs.
The buses will operate from Kandivali Bus Station (East), Sangharsh Nagar in Chandivali, Samata Nagar Bus Station in Kandivali East and Magathane Depot.
The newly inducted fleet will also provide connectivity to Borivali Station (East), Thane Station (East) and Mira Road Station (East).
The vehicles feature a lightweight body design, electric propulsion technology, fast-charging capability and long battery life.
