Mumbai’s public transport network is set for a major expansion after the BEST Committee approved the induction of 1,500 air-conditioned electric midi buses under the Government of India’s PM E-Drive Scheme. The move is expected to add 125 new bus routes across the city, taking the network from around 400 to 525 routes, while also reviving several discontinued services. The new fleet will be introduced in phases through 2026 and 2027.
125 New routes planned as Compact Electric Buses expand connectivity across Mumbai
According to BEST officials, the introduction of the 9-metre electric midi buses will allow services to operate through narrow lanes, congested neighbourhoods and hilly stretches where larger buses cannot ply. Around 250 buses are expected to be inducted by the end of this year, with the remaining fleet arriving in phases over the next two years.
The expansion is expected to improve feeder services linking residential areas with metro stations, suburban railway stations and other major transport hubs, making public transport more accessible for daily commuters.
Part of BEST’s push to modernise Mumbai’s bus network & meet 2027 mobility goals
The project represents a step towards modernising Mumbai’s public transport system. The initiative also supports the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ target of increasing the city’s bus fleet to 10,000 vehicles by 2027, equivalent to 0.6 buses per 1,000 residents.
The proposal to procure the 1,500 electric midi buses had been submitted to the Central Government and received approval in October 2025.
Accessible low-floor design, advanced safety systems & fast charging technology
Built specifically for urban feeder operations, the electric midi buses feature an ultra-low floor height of 400 mm, making boarding easier for senior citizens, wheelchair users and other passengers with reduced mobility.
The buses will be powered by Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries and equipped with air suspension systems and fast DC charging facilities. Safety features include 360-degree CCTV cameras, an Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS) and a Fire Detection and Suppression System designed to detect and contain battery compartment fires.
GreenCell Mobility & Sai Green to supply fleet in four phases
Under the approved plan, GreenCell Mobility will supply 1,050 EKA electric buses with seating for more than 31 passengers, while Sai Green will provide 450 Switch EiV9 buses with seating capacity for 33 seated passengers plus the driver. The fleet will be rolled out in four phases comprising 225, 375, 450 and 450 buses, with deployment across BEST depots throughout Mumbai.
