The BMC has allocated Rs 1000 crore in its 2025-26 budget to support the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking, recognising its ongoing financial challenges. On Tuesday, the BMC acknowledged its own financial constraints but emphasised the need to assist BEST due to its precarious financial position. Notably, BEST, the city’s second-largest public transport system after suburban trains, operates a fleet of approximately 3000 buses, serving over 30 lakh commuters daily.

“Although the BMC has significant funding requirements for ongoing projects and other essential objectives, a provision of R1000 crore has been made for BEST in 2025-26, considering its financial needs,” the Budget document stated. As per state directives, the BMC will contribute R128.65 crore (its 5 per cent share) towards the procurement and deployment of 2000 electric buses for Mumbai. It remains unclear whether this amount is part of the Rs 1000 crore grant or a separate allocation.