A double-decker electric bus, leased by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) from Switch Mobility, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, caught fire near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in south Mumbai’s Fort area on Tuesday at 9:15 am. No injuries were reported, marking the first fire incident involving BEST’s electric double-decker fleet since their induction in 2022.
The blaze occurred on a bus operating on route 138, traveling from Bhatia Baug near CSMT to Backbay Depot. A BEST spokesperson noted the fire originated near a high-voltage battery by the front left tire. The packed bus was promptly steered to the roadside by the driver, allowing all passengers to evacuate safely. A fire engine quickly extinguished the blaze, officials confirmed.
The cause remains under investigation, with authorities suspecting a short circuit. Social media posts on X raised concerns about safety, with some users urging BEST to ban vinyl advertising wraps, citing potential fire risks. The affected bus is one of 50 leased from Switch Mobility, part of a 200-bus order to replace diesel double-deckers. BEST’s fleet, vital for over 30 lakh daily commuters, has faced delays in expanding its electric bus count, with only 966 of 5,330 ordered buses delivered by March 2025.
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