Is BEST operating broken and unsafe buses on Mumbai’s roads? A recent internal inspection report of BEST buses has revealed a worrying pattern of unresolved safety defects by various wet-lease contractors, raising concerns over commuter safety in the city’s public transport system.
BEST chairperson Trushna Vishwasrao told mid-day that she had called an urgent meeting of BEST officials on Monday to discuss and resolve the issue.
The report, based on cross-checking by BEST’s own staff of previously flagged issues on leased buses, a copy of which is with mid-day, shows that multiple buses continued to operate despite serious mechanical faults.
What does the report say
According to the report, the buses had problems with drag link assemblies, brake liner malfunctions, steering wheel defects, and damaged gearbox components—issues that directly affect vehicle control and braking efficiency.
In several cases, defects identified as early as January and February 2026 were marked as “not attended” even during follow-up inspections conducted in March. The report warns that such lapses could lead to drivers losing control of vehicles, potentially resulting in serious or fatal accidents.
Particularly concerning are repeated mentions of steering-related defects and brake failures, with remarks such as “driver may lose control over steering system” and “vehicle not able to stop,” highlighting the severity of the situation.
Safety issues
The findings come at a time when Mumbai’s bus network remains a critical lifeline for lakhs of daily commuters. The continued operation of buses with unresolved safety defects is likely to draw scrutiny from transport authorities and passenger groups.
BEST committee member Nitin Nandgaokar, who flagged the issue, told mid-day that bus drivers are often forced to drive such buses under pressure. “This is not a minor lapse, it is a systemic failure that directly endangers lives. When buses officially flagged as unsafe, especially with critical defects in brakes and steering, are still pushed back onto the roads under the guise of ‘repaired,’ it reflects a complete breakdown of accountability,” he said.
“It is concerning that bus drivers are being pressured to operate such vehicles. This not only puts passengers at risk but also places an unfair and dangerous burden on frontline staff. Every unsafe bus on the road is a potential tragedy in motion. Public transport is built on trust, and that trust is being severely undermined here,” he added.
Demands in the petition
A representation has been submitted to the authorities with the following demands:
Conduct a high-level and independent inquiry into the matter
Take strict action against responsible contractors and officials
Carry out an immediate safety audit of all contract buses across depots
No bus to be operated without written clearance from the engineering department
Implement strict monitoring mechanisms to prevent recurrence
The petition warns that the issue is extremely serious, and if the administration fails to take immediate and strict action, it will be held fully responsible for any future accidents or untoward incidents.
Major past bus accidents
Kurla West, December 9, 2024: A BEST electric bus (Olectra-make, just 3 months old) rammed into pedestrians and vehicles on SG Barve Marg, killing 6 and injuring 49. Investigators suspected human error and lack of proper training; brakes were found to be functioning.
Bhandup West, December 29–30, 2025: A BEST midi bus ran over pedestrians outside Bhandup West railway station at around 10:05 pm, killing 4 (including 3 women) and injuring 9.
Officials speak
BEST officials have yet to issue a detailed response to the report, but the revelations have led to calls for stricter maintenance audits and real-time monitoring of fleet safety compliance.
BEST chairperson action
Trushna Vishwasrao said any negligence would not be tolerated. “On Monday, I have summoned a meeting of all concerned BEST officials based on the revelations. We will not allow unsafe buses to run on Mumbai’s roads and endanger commuter safety.”
She also appealed to the government for additional funding to expand the bus fleet and wrote to the BMC chief requesting Rs 3,000 crore, in addition to the Rs 1,000 crore allocated in this year’s BMC budget. Vishwasrao said the fleet is rapidly shifting to electric, with over a thousand e-buses, including AC double-deckers, while older CNG/diesel buses are being phased out. Despite modernisation, the network remains far smaller than the nearly 3,800 buses it had 15–20 years ago.
