The new buses come equipped with fast-charging technology, lighter batteries, ramps for persons with disabilities and advanced safety systems. The launch ceremony was held in the presence of BEST Committee Chairperson Trishna Vishwasrao and other dignitaries, marking another step towards modernising Mumbai's public transport system and making it greener.
The buses have been supplied by EV Trans Maharashtra Private Limited. The company has received a purchase order to provide a total of 2,400 air-conditioned electric buses, each measuring 12 metres, on a rental basis. Before this latest addition, the company had already supplied 50 buses to BEST.
With the inclusion of the new 48 buses, the company's total contribution to BEST's fleet has increased to 98 buses. Separately, purchase orders have also been placed for 1,500 air-conditioned buses under the PM E-DRIVE scheme of the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries. Under the plan to procure 2,400 electric buses, a total of 2,000 buses will be inducted into the BEST fleet in phases.
The new Mumbai buses have seating capacity for 41 passengers. They feature comfortable seats, ramps for persons with disabilities and convenient entry doors to make boarding and travelling easier for passengers.
Battery technology is another key feature of the new fleet. The weight of the modern batteries has been reduced by 16 per cent, and they have been installed in the lower section of the buses. Equipped with CCS-2 technology, the batteries can be charged 58 per cent faster, allowing the buses to return to service sooner.
The buses also feature several advanced safety systems, including Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), CCTV cameras, panic buttons, a vehicle monitoring system and hydraulic power steering. The buses will be monitored through a command control centre, enabling prompt action in emergency situations.
The 48 buses will operate from Magathane Depot and serve five routes connecting Kandivali East, Chandivali, Samata Nagar, Borivali Station East, Thane Station East and Mira Road Station East. The services are intended to strengthen connectivity across these locations.
Magathane Depot has been entrusted with the responsibility of operating and monitoring the new buses. Of the 48 buses, 44 will be operated from the depot across five routes. With their zero-emission technology, the electric buses are expected to help reduce both air and noise pollution, while the upgraded fleet is aimed at improving the overall efficiency of Mumbai's public transport network.
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