Eighty-eight Mumbaikars died in 834 accidents involving BEST buses and private contractors in the last five years, the (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport) BEST administration stated.
The BEST administration gave the information in response to RTI Activist Anil Galgali. He had sought information regarding the BEST bus accidents, loss of life and financial compensation in the last five years, to which Egal Benjamin, Senior Transport Officer of BEST, has responded.
Another day, another B.E.S.T bus accident. Two pedestrians sustained minor injuries when an unattended B.E.S.T bus, with its engine running, dashed into a tea stall at Kannamwar Nagar in Vikhroli East in #Mumbai on Saturday. The bus was being operated by Gujarat-based wet lease… pic.twitter.com/5RKA1oS5Ps
— Rajendra B. Aklekar (@rajtoday) January 11, 2025
Among the 834 accidents, BEST had 352 accidents with 51 fatalities while private contractors had 37 fatalities out of 482 accidents. 2022-23 and 2023-24 recorded the highest 21 deaths each.
It said Rs 42.4 crore has been paid as financial compensation to the deceased and injured citizens in 494 cases. The highest amount was given in 2022-23 when 12.4 crore was distributed in 107 cases. The compensation amount was 9.55 crore in 2019-20, 3.44 crore in 2020-21, 9.45 crore in 2021-22, 7.54 crore in 2023-24.
A total of 14 employees have been dismissed in the last five years, including 12 in fatal accidents and two in personal injury cases. Besides, 24 employees have been suspended in personal injury cases.
In other actions, authorities issued warnings, strong warnings, recoveries and reductions in dual category.
