Mumbai Accelerates Green Mobility: CM Devendra Fadnavis Flags Off 157 New Electric Buses to Power a Cleaner Urban Future – EQ
In Short : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated 157 new electric buses for Mumbai’s BEST fleet at Colaba depot, marking a major step toward sustainable urban transport. The zero-emission buses, part of a plan to add 5,000 e-buses in phases, will improve connectivity and reduce pollution, reinforcing Mumbai’s commitment to cleaner, greener public mobility solutions.
In Detail : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis flagged off 157 new electric buses for the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking at the Colaba depot in Mumbai. The event marked a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing transition toward sustainable public transport and environmentally responsible urban mobility solutions.
The newly inducted air-conditioned electric buses are equipped with modern amenities including low-floor design, wheelchair accessibility, and advanced safety systems. Designed to offer both comfort and convenience, these buses will serve high-demand routes, ensuring better connectivity between key railway, metro, and business hubs across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Fadnavis emphasized that the initiative is part of a larger plan to introduce a total of 5,000 electric buses into the BEST fleet in a phased manner. This massive expansion aims to modernize Mumbai’s public transport system, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and contribute to India’s overall clean mobility mission.
The Chief Minister also urged BEST to achieve financial sustainability by diversifying its income sources. He called for an increase in non-fare revenue—targeting 40 percent of total earnings—to ensure the long-term stability of the organization while maintaining affordable fares for commuters.
Of the 157 electric buses launched, 122 have been leased from Mumbadevi Mobility featuring PMI-built models, and 35 from Evey Trans with Olectra-built models. The adoption of a wet-lease model highlights the collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving the electric mobility ecosystem forward.
Officials stated that these electric buses will reduce carbon emissions significantly while lowering operational costs. The deployment is expected to enhance service frequency, minimize commuter wait times, and ensure smoother travel across key urban and suburban corridors within Mumbai’s growing transport network.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde praised the initiative, calling it a “turning point” in Mumbai’s transition to cleaner mobility. He reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting eco-friendly transport solutions that align with India’s broader vision of reducing urban pollution and achieving sustainability targets.
The introduction of these electric buses also complements other infrastructure improvements such as electric charging stations and smart depot management systems. Together, these efforts are helping Mumbai move toward a more efficient, reliable, and eco-conscious public transportation framework that benefits both commuters and the environment.
With this addition, Mumbai joins a growing list of Indian cities leading large-scale electric bus integration. The initiative strengthens the city’s image as a pioneer in sustainable transport and demonstrates Maharashtra’s proactive approach to achieving a cleaner, greener, and more connected urban future.
