Mumbai: Transport analysts are urging BEST to prioritise CNG buses over delayed e-buses, as the fleet remains below the 2,900 mark. BEST has infrastructure for 4,000 CNG buses, which is currently underutilised.
Transport analysts have petitioned BEST, demanding that in a scenario where there are major delays in the delivery of e-buses, they should explore procuring at least 1,000 CNG buses. These buses cost nearly a crore rupees less than e-buses, can be delivered promptly, and significantly, the city has an infrastructure to accommodate 4,000 CNG buses. This will ensure citizens receive more buses, the frequency improves, and there is minimal waiting time at the bus stops, said Ashok Datar from the Mumbai Mobility Forum. The present-day fleet continues to remain below the 2,900 mark for the past few months.
Sources in Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) disclosed that BEST has a well-established CNG infrastructure at 15 depots, which can fuel over 4,000 buses daily. “Presently, BEST has around 1,900 CNG buses in the fleet and can readily accommodate 2,100 more buses with the available infrastructure. They can procure these additional CNG buses and operate them efficiently,” the sources added. Moreover, CNG buses have exhibited consistent performance and safety in urban transportation in Mumbai for numerous years.
Datar said: “CNG buses can be purchased for Rs 65 lakh as compared to electric buses whose costs could be as high as Rs 1.6 crore. I am not opposed to e-buses, but the deliveries were delayed for the past year, resulting in a bus shortage in the fleet. BEST can expedite the procurement of CNG buses, which is also environmentally friendly and straightforward to operate and maintain. The fleet can have at least 1,000 CNG buses.”
Transport analyst A V Shenoy said that there should be a prudent mix of CNG, electric, and other fuel-run buses in the fleet. “BEST is aiming to make its fleet 100% electric in the future. But unless electricity is generated by renewable sources, you are not reducing carbon emissions. On the other hand, CNG buses are pollution-free, one-third the cost, and simpler to maintain. They have been successfully running with the BEST logo for numerous years, providing comfortable rides to passengers,” he pointed out.
Shenoy further said that BEST should not completely change to electric buses. “In several cases, we observed that the electric buses are unable to complete 180 km in a day. After completing 60% of the journey, the batteries need recharging, and buses are withdrawn from roads. This is unwarranted,” he added.