Govt intervenes to bring buses back on roads

Guardian minister says services will be restored within 24 to 48 hours

With the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) administration failing to get its striking contractual employees to resume work, the Maharashtra government on Monday intervened through Mumbai suburban district Guardian Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha. The minister met with the BEST management, officials from contract companies and workers, assuring them that services will be restored within the next 24 to 48 hours.

However, it seemed that the BEST administration was not serious about resolving the issue despite the strike entering the sixth day as officials were busy with a cultural programme to mark the undertaking’s 76th foundation day on August 7.

According to Lodha, two meetings were held with the owners of leased buses, keeping in mind the demands of the contract workers. “Bus owners were directed that the workers' demand for minimum wages, their Diwali bonus and provision of necessary facilities should be met legally,” Lodha said. He also clarified that the government is not apathetic towards solving the demands of the contract workers and will hold another meeting with the workers.

Lodha further stated that Principal Secretary (Transport) Parag Jain and BEST General Manager Vijay Singhal were present during the meetings. “Of the 3,052 buses in the BEST fleet, 2,651 have already been put into service by the government. We have also pressed into service 180 state transport (MSRTC) and 200 school buses to alleviate the situation,” he said. Out of the total fleet, 1,381 buses are owned by BEST while 1,671 have been leased.

“There is currently a shortage of 400 buses and the government is making efforts to fill the gap and find the drivers necessary for operation. We will ensure that the citizens do not suffer, and at the same time, get justice for the contract employees. We are trying to resolve the issue accordingly. BEST will soon be able to serve Mumbaikars in its full capacity,” Lodha said. 

200
No of school buses put into service by govt

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