{
  "id": 9418959,
  "title": "BEST Plans Higher Penalties For Wet-Lease Operators Over Defective Buses After Brake Fault Incident",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/best-plans-higher-penalties-for-wet-lease-operators-over-defective",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T21:15:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/best-plans-higher-penalties-for-wet-lease-operators-over-defective-buses-after-brake-fault-incident"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The BEST Undertaking is set to raise penalties for wet-lease operators who put buses with technical issues on the road, amid concerns that operators prioritize daily kilometer targets over timely repairs. Currently, BEST can fine operators up to ₹3,000 per bus for certain faults. Wet-lease operators are compensated for operating buses around 180 km a day, with payments ranging between ₹57 and ₹65 per kilometre. BEST staff can currently impose a daily fine of ₹500 for both minor and major technical faults. Some operators allegedly perform temporary repairs to keep buses running and meet daily targets, rather than removing the vehicle from service. Around 4-6% of BEST's fleet is under maintenance daily. Every bus undergoes a full inspection every 15 days. Nitin Nandgaonkar, a BEST committee member, emphasized the need to increase penalties and expedite repairs. The issue gained prominence after a September 21 accident involving a wet-leased BEST bus operated by Mateshwari on route 312 near GTB Nagar railway station. A motorcycle collided with the bus, causing three passengers to fall onto the road. The bus driver used the hand brake to control the vehicle, and the conductor informed the police. BEST is investigating the brake defect and reviewing the incident. The proposed penalty increase aims to prevent operators from compromising safety for operational targets.",
  "summary": "Mumbai: The BEST Undertaking is planning to increase penalties on wet-lease operators for putting buses with technical defects on the road, amid concerns that operators may be prioritising daily kilometre targets over timely repairs. At present, BEST can impose a maximum penalty of ₹3,000 per bus for certain faults. Operators Paid For Daily Kilometre Targets Under the existing arrangement,…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}