The BEST Undertaking has projected a deficit of Rs 1317.50 crore for 2027-28, even as it plans to eventually expand its bus fleet to 10,000 to strengthen Mumbai’s public transport network. The budget estimates were presented before the BEST Committee by Additional Municipal Commissioner Prajakta Verma on Wednesday. BEST has estimated total income of Rs 8559.06 crore against expenditure of R9876.56 crore. It has also proposed capital expenditure of Rs 647.79 crore for upgrading its electricity and transport infrastructure.

Transport remains the big drain

The transport division is expected to earn Rs 3551.55 crore against expenditure of Rs 4702.26 crore, resulting in a projected deficit of Rs 1150.71 crore. The electricity division, in contrast, is projected to post a surplus of Rs 201.21 crore, with income of Rs 5007.51 crore against expenditure of Rs 4806.30 crore.