3rd BEST Bus Catches Fire in February 2023
Three BEST buses catch fire in Mumbai. For more details watch the video.
The BEST, which ferries nearly 35 lakh passengers daily, has 3,619 buses in its fleet. They include 2,927 CNG-run buses, 266 Diesel-run buses and 426 electric buses. Of the 2,927 CNG-run buses, 400 are operated on the wet lease model by M/S Mateshwari Urban Transport Ltd. Under wet lease, the buses are owned, maintained and driven by contractors that are paid a sum by BEST. As per the contract between the operator and BEST, the former is responsible for the maintenance of the buses and ensure their safety. A Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus, run by the municipal corporation, suddenly caught fire in the suburbs of Andheri on Wednesday 22 February 2023 evening. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. The bus caught fire near Andheri railway station (east). It happened at 6:55pm during peak hours.
After receiving information, fire brigade vehicles rushed to douse the fire. This is the 3rd time this month a BEST bus caught on fire. All the buses that caught on fire were TATA CNG buses. On January 25 and February 11 as well, TATA CNG buses operated by M/S Mateshwari Urban Transport Ltd had caught fire but no injuries were reported. This is why the BEST has said 400 buses will stop working from today. The BEST said that though it is an inconvenience, the public’s safety is of the utmost importance. BEST General Manager Lokesh Chandra said they are looking into the matter to ensure this does not happen again. Thousands of passengers in Mumbai will be affected by this.
