In February 2022, BEST entered into an agreement with the contractor to deliver at least 175 buses by February 2023. However, as of now, none have been delivered.
BEST’s general manager, Vijay Singhal, provided updates on the new timelines for rolling out the electric buses. He anticipates at least 50 new electric AC double-deckers to be operational by November. Additionally, he revealed that the private contractor has been “blacklisted” due to their failure to deliver the 700 buses they had committed to last year.
Singhal urgently requests that the prototype be presented to the BEST authorities immediately. Any delay may prolong the “blacklisting” status of the private firm. The contractor has committed to delivering the initial e-double-decker by the first week of November, followed by the remaining 49 within that month. Subsequently, they pledge to supply a minimum of 100 buses monthly until the total of 700 is fulfilled.
Regarding the original signed contract, Singhal said, ” 25% or 175 buses were to be delivered by February 4 and the balance 75% by August 4. This is the last chance for the firm to hurry up and provide the prototype of the bus, else we will not take this contract any further and initiate stringent action”.
The twin-deck buses available for wet lease are offered at a competitive lease rate of Rs 56 per km, one of the most affordable in the country. This favourable pricing is a primary reason BEST is eager to pursue the project, according to sources. Opting for a new tender could introduce additional risks and costs for BEST.
