Maharashtra CM Pushes for BEST's 22-Depot Redevelopment Plan with Public Interest at Heart

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to prepare a redevelopment roadmap for the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking that balances public interest, employee welfare, and Mumbai’s long-term development needs. The direction was issued during a recent meeting to review plans for the modernisation of BEST-operated bus depots across the city.

The proposed redevelopment programme covers 22 bus depots spread over 132 acres in Mumbai and aims to upgrade transport infrastructure while improving the undertaking’s long-term financial viability. According to a presentation made during the meeting, the initiative will be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and will include transport, residential, commercial, and public-use components.

Fadnavis emphasized that the redevelopment proposal should extend beyond revenue-generating activities and incorporate facilities that serve wider social and cultural objectives. He asked officials to ensure that the blueprint includes staff housing, public amenities, and infrastructure that benefits both commuters and local communities.

The proposal presented to the government includes the induction of 7,000 new buses into the BEST fleet, the installation of smart electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and the construction of housing for employees. In addition, the plan envisages the development of commercial complexes, retail malls, urban plazas, art galleries, and public parking facilities within depot premises.

As part of the redevelopment exercise, the chief minister suggested assessing the feasibility of creating dedicated 300- to 400-seat theatres for Marathi cinema at select bus depots. He also stressed the need to incorporate museums, sports facilities, and cultural centres within redevelopment projects to ensure that the upgraded depots function as integrated public spaces rather than purely commercial assets.

Clarifying the government’s position on land ownership, Fadnavis stated that BEST-owned land would not be sold under the redevelopment programme. He said ownership of all land and assets would continue to remain with BEST, while development would be undertaken through PPP arrangements and long-term lease structures.

The chief minister also instructed officials to formulate a long-term roadmap aligned with the state’s ‘Developed Maharashtra’ vision and the national ‘Developed India 2047’ programme. The plan is expected to consider future transport fleet requirements, manpower planning, expenditure patterns, and potential revenue streams.

To help address traffic congestion in Mumbai, Fadnavis proposed the development of transport hubs at octroi checkposts located at Dahisar, Mankhurd, Mulund, and Airoli. These facilities could serve as parking and interchange points for buses arriving from outside Mumbai, enabling passengers to board and alight more efficiently.

BEST General Manager Dr. Sonia Sethi informed the meeting that all 22 depots are proposed to be modernised on the lines of transport facilities in global cities such as Singapore, Paris, Hong Kong, and London. According to the presentation, the projects are planned under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model.