BEST unveils Rs 28,000 crore revival plan with 5,000 new buses, depot makeover

Updated On: 05 August, 2026 07:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar

BEST has proposed a Rs 28,000 crore revival plan that includes procuring 5,000 self-owned buses and redeveloping ageing depots under a public-private partnership model. The transport undertaking has sought a significant increase in permissible FSI, saying the plan will help pull it out of financial distress while modernising infrastructure

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The undertaking’s outstanding liabilities remain high, highlighting the urgent need for a sustainable financial model. Representation Pic/Rajendra B Aklekar

With a plan to procure 5000 self-owned buses in the next three years, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has proposed a Rs 28,000 crore revival and stability plan to redevelop its ageing bus depots through a public-private partnership-based transit-oriented development (TOD) model, seeking an increase in permissible FSI from about 1.3 to seven. This will be very beneficial to the BEST in pulling it out of financial distress.

While the overall revival plan is Rs 28,000 crore, it requires Rs 16,800 crore to meet demands put up by the trade unions. The plan will be based on a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) basis, which means 100 per cent of ownership remains with the BEST despite private developers financing and executing the work. Phase I will focus on modernising bus depots and staff quarters, followed by public parking and social infrastructure.