BEST Bus Strike in Mumbai Today: Over 200 Buses Off Road
A sudden bus strike in Mumbai has caused significant disruption to the city’s public transport network, with over 200 buses operated by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) taken off the roads.
The strike, which began early on Monday morning, has led to a halt in services, affecting key routes across South Mumbai, as well as the central and eastern suburbs.
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Cause of the Bus Strike in Mumbai
The flash strike by BEST bus drivers and conductors was triggered by an incident involving a pregnant conductor.
According to sources, the conductor had requested lighter duties due to her advanced pregnancy stage but was reportedly disrespected by employees of the wet lease operator, Mateshwari Urban Transport, who manage the affected buses.
This mistreatment sparked outrage among fellow drivers and conductors, leading them to go on strike.
Ongoing Issues Faced by BEST Employees
The strike has also brought attention to long-standing issues faced by the workers employed under the wet lease agreement.
Employees have raised concerns about low wages, delayed payments, and the lack of job security. Many have demanded permanent employment status, as they remain contracted workers without the benefits offered to permanent staff.
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Impact on BEST Bus Services
The flash strike has resulted in the suspension of at least 80-100 bus routes, disrupting daily commuters in Mumbai.
The buses affected are primarily those operating from the Pratiksha Nagar and Dharavi depots, with several routes essential for transporting passengers to critical parts of the city.
Passengers have expressed frustration over the unpredictable service, with many relying on BEST buses for their daily commute.
Official Response to the Strike
In response to the ongoing unrest, authorities have announced plans to penalize the wet lease operator and impose fines for the disruption.
However, the strike continues to affect public transport, further compounding the challenges for BEST. Adding to the situation is the absence of a General Manager at BEST, as the government struggles to appoint someone capable of managing the complex transport and utility operations.
