Best to ply buses in Navi Mumbai

Now, it’s the BEST’s turn. After the Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT), announced its plan to ply buses between Belapur and Bandra, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking wants to expedite its plans to introduce the recently bought King Long buses.

“BEST bus services to Airoli via Mulund should be accelerated,” said BEST Chairman Dilip Patel. “The Standing Committee will immediately approve the proposal and inaugurate the route as and when plans are in place.”

The BEST has been trying hard to get relevant permissions to enter Navi Mumbai. Its Standing Committee, comprising politicians across parties, is perturbed as BEST’s transport division has ignored its suggestions to enter Thane and Navi Mumbai.

“NMMT has introduced Volvo buses without our permission. We will incur losses because of this,” said BEST Standing Committee member Pravin Chedda.

Sources in the transport division said Volvo is a costlier bus than the King Long, but it is better in the long run, whereby NMMT would gain on the Mumbai to Navi Mumbai route.

The recent accidents faced by King Long buses, introduced only last year, are also a bother for the BEST.

Though the state government has allowed services within Mumbai Metropolitan Region, friction among transport agencies continues.