The delivery of electric buses to Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) has significantly lagged, with only 536 buses supplied over three years out of 2,100 ordered. Under a May 2022 contract, EveyTrans, a subsidiary of Olectra Greentech, was to complete delivery by May 2023.

Olectra Greentech attributed the delays to disruptions in the supply of battery-fitted chassis from its technology partner, BYD. BEST has now stated that the remaining buses are proposed to be delivered by August 2025.

The shortage of buses has caused longer waiting times and overcrowding. BEST’s fleet has declined from 4,500 buses a decade ago to around 2,800, partly due to the delayed electric bus replenishment. Despite supply issues, Olectra Greentech was awarded a new contract in April 2024 for an additional 2,400 electric buses.

BEST has issued 27 notices to the company regarding delays, and penalties of Rs 20,000 per undelivered bus are applicable. Although facing setbacks, Olectra has ramped up production and currently supplies electric buses offering up to 200 kilometres per charge.

Presently, BEST operates over 950 electric buses sourced from multiple suppliers. However, experts point out that Mumbai still falls short of international urban transport standards.

Source: Press Trust of India