BEST to install charging points for electric buses

Mumbai: The BEST will set up charging points for its electric buses at the Backbay depot and for private vehicles at the Worli depot. Presently, BEST’s six electric buses are charged at the Backbay depot. The BEST is expected to get 80 electric buses with help from the Centre.

The issue of electric buses was raised by Atul Shah, a BJP corporator and BEST committee member. “It is the need of the hour. By 2030, the whole country will be using electric cars. The BEST should be prepared enough; they have got the infrastructure to build charging stations at the depots. Then why doesn’t  the BEST look at these avenues to generate more revenue as well as save the city from pollution. The BEST should lead in that.”

Sunil Ganacharya, BJP corporator and BEST committee member, said that 50 per cent vehicles in China were electric and that the time had come for us to adopt the green initiative to reduce carbon emissions in Mumbai.

Anil Kokil, member, BEST committee, and former chairman, said that the BEST should construct transport hubs at Mulund, Vashi and Dahisar octroi naka.

Deputy general manager R.J. Singh said, “To install a battery charger for cars at depots, one-and-a-half-month will be needed. As far as requirements go, we will extend our services,” he said.