In a tragic incident that unfolded on 9th December 2024, a horrific accident involving a BEST bus in Kurla resulted in the loss of four innocent lives, with more than 35 individuals sustaining injuries. The death toll is feared to rise as some of the victims remain in critical condition. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has swiftly condemned the incident, calling for urgent action from the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) administration.

The BJP’s Prabhakar Shinde, in an open letter addressed to the General Manager of BEST, has highlighted the severity of the incident, describing it as a deeply unfortunate event. The party has raised concerns over the growing number of accidents involving BEST buses, particularly those operated under contract with private contractors. According to Shinde, of the 3,000 buses in BEST’s fleet, 2,000 are operated under lease agreements. Contractors who supply these buses are also responsible for hiring the drivers and conductors. However, it has been observed that many of the drivers are often new and lack the necessary experience to navigate Mumbai’s bustling streets, leading to a rise in accidents.