Mumbai Infra Update: BMC Clears ₹28,000-Crore Redevelopment Plan For 22 BEST Depots Despite Opposition

Mumbai, August 19, 2026 - The Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has secured approval for a massive ₹28,000-crore redevelopment plan of 22 bus depot complexes across the city, despite opposition from the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) parties. The redevelopment plan aims to convert outdated BEST depots into modern urban hubs while preserving their current operational status as bus terminals.

The project, which will be executed through a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model under a public-private partnership, intends to retain land ownership with BEST.

The proposal, which passed the BMC General Body with a clear majority, now awaits scrutiny and policy approval from the Urban Development Department and Cabinet before being returned to BEST and the BMC for final clearance. Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Yashodhar Phanse raised concerns over the potential transfer of 2.5 lakh sq m of prime depot land to private developers, while Congress group leader Ashraf Azmi questioned the pending Rs 302 crore owed to BEST for five depots already leased out in 2017.

Despite these criticisms, BEST Committee Chairperson Trushna Vishwasrao defended the plan, emphasizing BEST's worsening financial situation, mounting debt, employee dues, and the urgent need for Rs 28,000 crore to address employee commitments, service liabilities, and procure 5,000 new buses.