Mumbai: The BEST Workers’ Union on Monday opposed any move to monetise, redevelop or sell land parcels belonging to the undertaking, and urged deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde to withdraw directions issued in this regard during a recent meeting with employee representatives.In a letter submitted to Shinde, union leader Shashank Rao objected to proposals discussed at a June 21 meeting of the BEST Joint Action Committee of Workers, where options such as “raising funds through redevelopment of BEST-owned properties and depot lands” were reportedly considered.Rao argued that BEST’s land assets should not be used to bridge financial gaps, pointing out that a 2019 memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the BEST undertaking and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had already laid down a framework for financial support. Under the arrangement, the BMC agreed to cover BEST’s recurring revenue deficits and provide funds for procuring new buses to replace ageing vehicles.“The responsibility of providing affordable public transport to Mumbaikars rests with the BMC. There is therefore no justification for raising resources through the sale or redevelopment of BEST lands,” Rao stated in the letter.The union maintained that monetisation of transport assets could adversely affect the undertaking’s long-term operational requirements, including future expansion of depots, parking facilities and supporting infrastructure. It demanded that all directions related to the monetisation / redevelopment of BEST properties be withdrawn immediately.Said a senior BEST official, “We are redeveloping some of the depots to create more parking and facilities/amenities for the undertaking while also earning revenue to curtail losses and procure new buses.” Sources said that the BEST plans to have 40% of its earnings from non-fare revenue, which also includes advertisement in buses and at bus stops, in near future.
