Mumbai Gets 35 electric Buses as Tata Motors Starts Delivery of 340 Bus Order

Tata Motors, has delivered 35 state-of-the-art Starbus electric buses (e-bus) as a part of the larger order of 340 electric buses to Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST). BEST is a civic transport and electricity provider public body based in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Tata Motors has undertaken to build, deploy, maintain and operate the complete charging infrastructure along with the buses. The company will deliver the rest of the order in a phased manner, as per the schedule. The procurement of the buses by BEST have been enabled under the government of India’s FAME II initiative, and the delivery is a part of the first-ever Gross Cost Contract (GCC) by BEST.

The 12-meter long, 35-seater Tata Starbus AC e-buses are equipped with advanced features for the comfort of the driver and the passengers like: ‘Lift Mechanism’ that extends an automated ramp for easy ingress and egress of specially-abled passengers, along with ergonomic seats, roomy interiors, utility provisions like charging ports and wide entry and exit passages.

The full-electric buses come with Intelligent Transport System (ITS), telematics system, regenerative braking system, amongst other features. The buses have been tested and validated by Tata Motors across varied terrains and conditions and are engineered to deliver a high standard of performance.

Speaking of deliveries, General Manager of BEST Undertaking, Mr. Lokesh Chandra said, “We are delighted to take delivery of 35 Starbus AC electric buses from Tata Motors. BEST’s vision of introducing more and more electric buses will go a long way in reducing tailpipe emissions and will benefit millions of Mumbaikars. BEST stays committed to the Government’s focus on electrification of the fleet.”

Tata Motors claims to be the leading provider of transportation and mobility solutions to the country, including battery-electric, hybrid, CNG, LNG, and hydrogen fuel cell technology. The company has received an order of 15 hydrogen fuel cell buses from Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. It has supplied 525 electric buses across several states, which have cumulatively clocked more than 15 million kilometers.

“We are pleased to deliver Tata Starbus e-buses to BEST, as a part of the larger contract. The delivery of these buses will further fortify our partnership with BEST and help in environment-friendly mass mobility for the city of Mumbai. The buses are equipped with modern features that will enable ease of use and offer comfort and convenience with roomy interiors and ergonomic seats, says Mr. Rohit Srivastava, Vice President, Product Line – Buses, Tata Motors.

These 35 e-buses were flagged off by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Uddhav Thackeray, along with dignitaries from the Maharashtra state government, BEST, and Tata Motors, at an event at Mahim, Mumbai.