In a major step towards reviving the financially ailing Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking, the redevelopment of three significant bus depots—Bandra, Deonar, and Dindoshi—has been approved by the Maharashtra government. The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, where the challenges faced by BEST were assessed in detail.
The approval was granted as part of a broader strategy to monetise underutilised land and to address the mounting financial stress on the transport utility. It was indicated during the meeting that the redevelopment of strategically located depots could provide long-term revenue and support infrastructure upgrades. At the meeting, it was pointed out by BEST officials that a fare revision was needed to maintain financial viability. However, the request was deferred, and a formal proposal was asked to be submitted before further consideration could be taken. Instead, the focus was shifted towards land-based revenue generation models.
The Bandra depot, which once operated as a slaughterhouse, was reported to be partially encroached. A new road connecting the depot to the Western Express Highway is currently under construction. The Deonar plot was noted to be adjacent to the Sion-Panvel Road, and the Dindoshi depot is located near the proposed Goregaon-Mulund tunnel. All three sites were considered ideal for redevelopment owing to their location and accessibility.
Past efforts to commercialise BEST lands were also discussed. It was highlighted that the Mahim depot lost much of its operational space after partial commercialisation, while the Ambedkar Garden depot had to be shut down following the sale of land to a private entity. A former general manager’s proposal to sell the Santacruz colony land was recalled, as was ongoing political interest in the land at Ghatkopar East.
It was recommended by the Chief Minister that BEST expand its existing fleet of 2,783 buses, which includes those operating under wet lease. Previous attempts to increase the fleet were noted to have been unsuccessful. An allocation of at least 3% from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)’s annual budget was advised for BEST’s operations, along with the suggestion to apply for central funds under the National Clean Air Programme. Improvements in commuter experience were also emphasised. It was informed that wait times for buses must be reduced and that real-time tracking solutions must be introduced. A memorandum of understanding with Google was said to be under consideration for live bus updates.
During the meeting, Minister Ashish Shelar proposed that part of the depot land could be utilised for setting up Marathi film theatres. BEST’s general manager SVR Srinivas, who currently holds interim charge, appealed for clearance of pending government dues amounting to ₹1,658 crore, which include toll payments. It was further noted that BEST has been functioning without a full-time general manager since the transfer of Anil Diggikar after a road accident in Kurla last year. Administrative continuity was flagged as a concern, reinforcing the need for expedited reforms.
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