Mumbai plans to have 8,000 e-buses in operation in 2027

By 2027, Mumbai public transport operator BEST plans to significantly expand its fleet and achieve full electrification, according to its 2025-26 budget proposal. The public transport company is aiming to increase its fleet from the current 711 electric buses to a total of 8,000, phasing out older, non-electric vehicles in the process. To meet this ambitious target, BEST intends to purchase 2,650 electric buses annually, as reported on Times of India.

In the city, a +300-units delivery was performed starting in 2020. And electric double-decker models were handed over recently by Switch Mobility.

Massive electric bus purchases in view in India

As part of the expansion, the proposal includes the acquisition of 1,000 electric AC double-decker buses, which would bring the number of these iconic buses to 1,200 in the near future. Currently, the fleet consists of 2,911 buses, with 711 being electric, including 50 AC double-deckers. Additionally, work is underway to procure 150 more AC double-deckers. BEST also plans to retire 510 outdated buses over the next four months.

However, as trade agency electrive.com notes, it’s not clear “wether did not clarify “whether these electric buses are in addition to or include the 2,100 units BEST ordered in May 2022 and/or the 2,400 units the company ordered in February 2024, both from Olectra Greentech”. Whose deliveries are accumulating delays…

Despite a previous agreement for 2,100 electric buses, only 275 have been delivered so far, highlighting the challenge of meeting targets. However, BEST’s general manager, Anil Diggikar, stated that the process for tendering the 1,000 new double-decker buses will begin once the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) approves the budget. According to Diggikar, the increase in double-decker buses will help reduce overcrowding at bus stops, ease traffic, and enhance capacity, particularly on routes in south Mumbai and suburban areas, where such buses are most needed.