BEST Workers' Union Protests Leasing of 35 Officer Quarters on Altamount Road
The BEST Workers’ Union has strongly objected to the proposal to lease 35 officer quarters on Altamount Road to private firms, urging the Chief Minister to cancel the plan. The union argues that the move could displace current and future staff from affordable housing.
Best Workers UnionAltamount RoadOfficer QuartersPrivate FirmsEmployee WelfareReal Estate MumbaiAug 09, 2025
In a letter addressed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently, Union General Secretary Shashank Rao urged the government to immediately scrap the plan, warning that the move could displace current and future staff from affordable housing originally meant for them.
These officer quarters were built to provide convenient and economical accommodation for BEST officers, close to their workplace. Leasing them to private players not only violates that purpose but also jeopardizes the housing prospects of our employees, the letter stated.
The protest comes after BEST issued a tender last week inviting bids from private entities to lease the flats for a 30-year period, with an option to extend for another 30 years. The base lease price has been set at Rs 263 crore, and the tender is scheduled to open on August 21.
As per the tender terms, the lessee must pay 25% of the lease amount within 30 days of receiving the letter of acceptance, with the remaining 75% due before possession. The agreement allows the lessee to undertake modifications, provided the built-up area is not increased. Redevelopment may also be permitted during the lease, subject to BMC approval.
Union leaders have voiced fears that the influx of private residents into the staff quarters could alter the social fabric of the colony, compromise security, and push BEST employees towards unaffordable housing options elsewhere in the city. There is a genuine concern that leasing these flats to outsiders will disturb the sense of community and cooperation that has developed among employees over the years, said a senior union member.
While BEST has not issued an official statement on the matter, sources within the organization confirmed that the proposal is part of a larger strategy to tackle its worsening financial situation. With the transport utility facing heavy losses, monetizing high-value real estate is being viewed as a potential revenue stream to support ongoing operations.
However, the union insists that financial recovery should not come at the cost of employee rights. We understand the financial stress BEST is under, but this is not the solution, said Rao. We appeal to the Chief Minister to safeguard the interests of BEST staff and their families.
Apart from that, Best Jagrut Kamgar Sanghatana, another BEST workers' union, has also voiced strong opposition to the administration's plan to lease staff quarters at Altamount Road through a public tender. In a recent letter to the General Manager, Union General Secretary S. S. Nalawade raised several key objections, describing the move as inappropriate and contrary to the principles of employee welfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the BEST Workers' Union protesting the leasing of officer quarters?
The union is protesting because they believe leasing the quarters to private firms will displace current and future staff from affordable housing and compromise their welfare.
What is the proposed lease duration and price for the officer quarters?
The proposed lease duration is 30 years, with an option to extend for another 30 years. The base lease price is set at Rs 263 crore.
What are the concerns of the union regarding the social impact of the lease?
The union is concerned that the influx of private residents could alter the social fabric of the colony, compromise security, and push BEST employees towards unaffordable housing options.
What is the financial rationale behind BEST's decision to lease the officer quarters?
BEST is facing heavy financial losses, and monetizing high-value real estate is seen as a potential revenue stream to support ongoing operations.
What is the stance of the Best Jagrut Kamgar Sanghatana on the leasing plan?
The Best Jagrut Kamgar Sanghatana has also voiced strong opposition to the leasing plan, describing it as inappropriate and contrary to the principles of employee welfare.
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