While 476 buses have been delivered under the ongoing contract, only 460 are currently operational, a BEST spokesperson confirmed
A batch of 50 newly delivered electric buses has been parked at the Shivaji Nagar depot after failing to meet fire safety requirements, in a development that could further strain public transport in Mumbai.
The buses—each 12 metres long—were supplied to the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking by Evey Trans Private Limited, a subsidiary of Olectra Greentech. They are part of a larger contract involving 2,100 electric buses awarded in 2022 under a Gross Cost Contract (wet lease) model.
Registered between 18 March and 16 May at the Tardeo Regional Transport Office under the MH-01 EW series, the buses were found to lack Fire Detection and Suppression Systems (FDSS)—a mandatory safety mechanism for all Type III city buses under AIS-135 norms. According to an official, the issue was identified during inspection, and the vehicles remain ineligible for passenger service until the FDSS units are installed.
“The FDSS is essential for early fire detection and automated suppression, particularly around the engine compartment,” the official said, requesting anonymity. “Without it, the buses cannot be deployed.”
The supplier, Evey Trans, attributed the delay to a market-wide shortage of FDSS units, adding that the buses were dispatched without the system to expedite registration and streamline processing at BEST depots. The company expects to receive the required components by mid-June.
While 476 buses have been delivered under the ongoing contract, only 460 are currently operational, a BEST spokesperson confirmed. Another 2,400 electric buses were awarded to the company earlier this year, bringing its total commitment to 4,500 units.
The setback comes amid rising public frustration. BEST, which carries around 3 million passengers daily with a fleet of 2,700 buses, has seen disruptions following the scrapping of several older self-owned vehicles without timely replacements. Reduced service frequencies have added to commuter woes.
The urgency for improved safety measures has grown after multiple incidents of bus fires, including two in 2025 alone. On 17 April, an electric bus caught fire near Churchgate station. No injuries were reported, but the incident underscored the critical need for robust fire safety infrastructure.
Under current policy, all Type III city buses must be fitted with FDSS as per Automotive Industry Standard (AIS)-135 to minimise fire risks and protect passenger lives.