BEST Budget 2027-28: Safety Overhaul With Driver Cameras, Simulators; 10,000-Bus Fleet Plan Despite ₹1,317-Crore Deficit

Mumbai, October 7, 2026: The BEST Undertaking has put forth a significant safety improvement plan for its bus operations, which includes cameras to monitor drivers' behavior, advanced driving simulators, and revised duty schedules to minimize fatigue-related issues. These changes are being implemented despite the undertaking forecasting a budget deficit of Rs 1,317 crore for the fiscal year 2027-28.

Simultaneously, BEST has outlined an ambitious plan to increase its bus fleet to 10,000 vehicles without raising fares. These proposals were announced by Prajakta Verma, Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) and the interim BEST General Manager, during the 2027-28 budget presentation.

Under the proposed safety measures, cameras will be installed inside buses to monitor driver conduct during operation. The footage and alerts from these cameras will be transmitted to a Central Command and Control Centre, enabling authorities to detect unsafe driving and respond promptly to incidents. Verma stated, "Cameras installed inside buses will specifically monitor driver behavior while the vehicle is in operation, with the footage and alerts linked to a Central Command and Control Centre."

Additionally, the undertaking plans to introduce advanced driving simulators at its training center in Dindoshi. These simulators will recreate challenging driving scenarios, road hazards, and monsoon conditions. They will be utilized for both new drivers and refresher courses for existing staff, focusing on hazard perception, accident prevention, driving in difficult conditions, and fuel-efficient practices.

The undertaking is also contemplating changes to driver schedules to alleviate fatigue. This adjustment is prompted by complaints from unions about increased work hours due to traffic congestion. BEST union leader J Kahar commented, "The traffic jams lead to extension of work hours. The drivers of each bus need to complete 180-220 kms of distance in a day which also builds pressure."

Despite the financial constraints, BEST aims to expand its fleet from the current 2,834 buses in September 2026 to 4,016 in the short term. The long-term goal is to reach 10,000 buses, which includes the addition of 1,500 electric midi-buses under the PM E-DRIVE program, 200 CNG midi-buses, and 120 double-decker AC electric buses.

The transport division is expected to face a deficit of Rs 1,518.71 crore, with expenditures estimated at Rs 4,702.26 crore against revenue of Rs 3,551.55 crore. Overall, BEST is projected to have an income of Rs 8,559.06 crore against expenditures of Rs 9,876.56 crore. Additionally, the undertaking intends to enhance real-time passenger information and vehicle tracking systems, as well as expand digital ticketing via the ONDC-linked ONE Ticket app.