August 7th 2023.
After days of disruption due to the strike by wet lease bus drivers, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) is hoping to resume its operations fully within the next 24 to 48 hours.
State minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha claimed on Monday that 2,651 buses, accounting for around 80% of the fleet, were already back on the roads, including those from the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and school buses. The remaining are expected to be operational within the next two days.
Despite the minister’s claim, the situation still remains tense as huge queues were reported at bus stops across the city, especially during rush hours on Monday. To address the strike, MSRTC stepped up and provided 180 buses, while more than 200 school buses were utilised for public transportation. BEST also requested an additional 150 buses from the corporation, which are expected to join the fleet shortly in a phased manner.
In order to operate the wet lease buses during the strike period, BEST deployed its excess drivers from other departments. According to a senior official, the Undertaking has around 800 excess drivers who were engaged in other departments. The Undertaking has also instructed wet lease contractors to make arrangements for other drivers.
Acknowledging the grievances of contract workers, the government is actively working to address their demands for fair wages and necessary facilities. Lodha emphasised the government’s commitment to resolving the issues and ensuring efficient and reliable bus services for the city.
“We understand the inconvenience faced by the citizens and are determined to provide justice to the contract workers. Our government is firm on not causing any distress to the public and ensuring fairness for the contractual employees. We are committed to restoring BEST's services efficiently, meeting the needs of the people of Mumbai,” Lodha said.
Unfortunately, the BEST strike is now on its sixth day, and buses continue to remain off the roads as drivers press on with their demands. The government's efforts to resolve the issues and restore the services on time is being closely monitored by the citizens of Mumbai.
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