Is the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) operating unfit buses on Mumbai’s roads? An internal inspection report has flagged a worrying pattern of unresolved safety defects in wet-lease buses, raising serious commuter safety concerns. BEST Chairperson Trushna Vishwasrao told mid-day she has called an urgent meeting of officials on Monday, April 6, to address the issue.
Report findings
The report, based on cross-checks by BEST staff of previously flagged defects, reveals that several buses continued to operate despite serious mechanical faults. Key issues include defects in drag link assemblies, brake liners, steering systems, and damaged gearbox components — all of which directly affect control and braking.
Four people were killed and nine others injured when a BEST bus reversed into passengers standing nearby in Bhandup. Pics/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI
In multiple cases, faults identified in January and February 2026 were still marked “not attended” during follow-up inspections in March. The report warns such lapses could lead to loss of control and potentially fatal accidents. Repeated mentions of steering and brake failures highlight the risk, with remarks noting drivers “may lose control” or that vehicles may be “unable to stop.”
Safety concerns
The findings come as Mumbai’s bus network remains a lifeline for lakhs of commuters. Running buses with unresolved defects is likely to invite scrutiny from authorities and passenger groups. BEST Committee Member Nitin Nandgaokar alleged drivers are forced to operate such buses under pressure, calling it a “systemic failure” that endangers lives and undermines public trust.
Seven people were killed and 42 others injured after a BEST bus ploughed into vehicles on SG Barve Marg in Kurla West
Official response
BEST is yet to issue a detailed response, but the report has triggered calls for stricter audits and real-time monitoring.
Fleet expansion
Vishwasrao said that efforts are on to expand the fleet, seeking Rs 3000 crore additional funds from the BMC over the R1000 crore already allocated. While BEST is rapidly shifting to electric buses, the total fleet remains significantly lower than the nearly 3800 buses it had 15-20 years ago. She added that negligence will not be tolerated. “We will not allow such buses to run and endanger commuters,” she Vishwasrao, confirming a review meeting with officials.
Key demands made in the petition
>> Independent, high-level inquiry
>> Action against contractors and officials
>> Immediate safety audit of all contract buses
>> No bus to run without engineering clearance
>> Strict monitoring to prevent recurrence
>> Authorities have been warned that failure to act could make them liable for future accidents.
Past accidents
Kurla West (Dec 9, 2024): BEST electric bus rammed pedestrians, killing six and injuring 49; human error suspected
Bhandup West (Dec 29-30, 2025): BEST midi bus ran over pedestrians near the station, killing four and injuring nine
April 6
Day BEST chairperson will hold a review meeting
