Lucknow: Mumbai and Lucknow saw significant developments in public transport over the weekend, reflecting ongoing efforts to modernise mobility in urban centres. The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) inducted 17 new electric buses into its fleet, with some set to operate along the newly opened Coastal Road. The induction, held at Colaba depot, was led by IAS officer Asheesh Sharma, who currently holds additional charge as BEST’s general manager. Among the services launched, route A-84 began operations between Oshiwara depot and Dr Shyamaprasad Mukherji Chowk, running via the Coastal Road and halting at four new stops. The buses, manufactured by Nagpur-based Mumbadevi Mobility, are equipped with charging ports and public address systems.
With this addition, BEST’s fleet stands at 2,711 buses, including 1,068 electric and 1,225 CNG vehicles. The transport body has also introduced 50 electric double-decker buses under its electrification drive. Deliveries of new electric buses began in May but faced delays due to incomplete charging infrastructure. Officials noted that over 1,000 electric buses are currently operating under a wet lease model, with the operator responsible for drivers, fuel, and maintenance.
In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath flagged off 400 new buses at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan as part of a broader effort to improve state transport services. The event also marked the foundation stone-laying for seven bus stations under a public-private partnership model, along with the launch of the Saral Transport Helpline 149. Together, these measures indicate a dual focus on expanding fleet capacity and strengthening infrastructure to meet growing mobility demands across states.
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