Employees of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking initiated an indefinite strike on 19 June 2026, significantly hindering bus services throughout Mumbai. The strike was organised by the BEST Sanyukt Kamgar Kruti Samiti, a coalition of twelve unions representing workers. This action proceeded despite an interim order issued by an industrial court prohibiting such a strike and an invocation of the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act by the state government, which prohibits disruptions to essential services.

Significant Service Disruptions Reported

On the morning of the strike, operations at the 27 BEST depots in Mumbai faced substantial hindrances, with very few buses able to depart. Allegations surfaced that striking workers impeded buses from leaving these depots, leading to significant inconvenience for hundreds of thousands of commuters. Many individuals resorted to alternative modes of transport, including autorickshaws, taxis, app-based rides, and the Metro system during the busy rush hour.

In response to the disruption, the Mumbai police announced that legal measures would be implemented against those obstructing public transport services, causing damage to BEST property, or preventing willing employees from attending work. The police made it clear that maintaining order and restoring services were their priorities during this challenging period for commuters.

The ongoing strike targets several key demands from the employees. These include proposals to merge BEST’s budget with that of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, a one-time settlement for legal dues owed to retired employees, and the full implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission’s recommendations spanning from 2016 to 2026. Other demands pertain to the cessation of contractual job arrangements within both the transport and electricity sectors, as well as the integration of wet-lease bus workers into the BEST workforce.

BEST’s Role in Public Transport and Power Supply

As Mumbai’s second-largest public transport entity, following the suburban railway network, BEST carries approximately 2.5 million passengers daily through its bus services. Additionally, the organisation supplies electricity to over 1 million consumers situated in south and central Mumbai. Currently, BEST operates around 2,700 buses, the majority of which are obtained from private operators under wet-lease agreements, which have sparked concerns among both workers and the public regarding contract worker conditions.

In the backdrop of the strike, the Shramik Utkarsh Sabha and the BEST Kamgar Union clarified that they are not involved in the ongoing agitation. They reported that discussions with the administration and the state government are currently happening to address worker concerns and grievances. As negotiations progress, the hope remains that a resolution will be achieved to restore normal services swiftly.

The events unfolding continuously highlight the urgency of addressing the disputes afflicting Mumbai’s transport services amidst ongoing public distress over transport accessibility. Meanwhile, the necessary talks aim to balance the interests of employees with the essential needs of commuting residents in Mumbai.

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