Leaking BEST buses leave Mumbai commuters high and dry this monsoon

Mumbai: Reports of rainwater leaking into BEST buses have once again raised concerns over the maintenance and roadworthiness of the city’s public transport fleet. Commuters travelling on several routes have complained of water dripping from bus roofs, wet floors, and discomfort during journeys, prompting calls for urgent action from the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) administration.BEST committee member and BJP leader Ajay Singh said inspections carried out at Oshiwara depot have already identified 22 buses with leakage-related defects, all of which have been earmarked for detailed inspection and repairs. He added that similar issues may exist at other depots and a citywide inspection drive would be undertaken, including checks at Wadala depot, to ensure buses remain fit for service during the monsoon.“The problem cannot be ignored. Commuters should not have to travel in buses with leaking roofs during rains. Necessary repairs must be carried out immediately,” Singh said.The issue comes weeks after complaints surfaced about rainwater seeping into air-conditioned buses during early June showers. In some cases, buses had to be withdrawn from service and sent back to depots for repairs. While BEST had undertaken pre-monsoon maintenance work, recent incidents suggest that several vehicles continue to face weatherproofing challenges.

According to Singh, the situation is compounded by the shrinking size of BEST’s fleet. “Nearly a decade ago, BEST operated around 4,200 buses. Today the fleet is down to about 2,800 buses. With fewer buses available, every vehicle becomes critical for daily operations, making timely maintenance even more important,” he noted.Commuters have expressed frustration over the recurring problem. A resident of Lalbaug, who travelled to Mantralaya on Tuesday morning, said water entering the bus created inconvenience and safety concerns.

“There was water accumulating on the floor, which could lead to passengers slipping. Some commuters even joked that they might need umbrellas inside the bus,” he said.Another regular passenger noted that leakages had been reported even during the pre-monsoon period and hoped BEST would ensure that both its owned and wet-lease buses remain dry, comfortable, and fully air-conditioned throughout the rainy season.A commuter travelling on route A-406 (Mulund–Sahar) this week also reported prominent leakages, saying passengers were significantly inconvenienced during the journey.With heavy rains expected to continue, commuters are now hoping that swift repairs and comprehensive inspections will prevent further disruptions and ensure safer, more comfortable travel across Mumbai.