Moreover, chances of a solution seemed to recede with the protesters suddenly cranking up their demands.
Experts described the wet lease system as a “complete failure” as private contractors and BEST failed to end the deadlock. At a media conference on Monday, the drivers said they want to be absorbed in BEST as contractual drivers and not report to contractors anymore.
“This is impossible,” BMC chief I S Chahal told TOI. “The files on Mesma have already gone from BEST to the urban development department at Mantralaya and are being reviewed,” he said, referring to the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act.
Vikas Kharmale, who is leading the protest at Azad Maidan, said: “We have faith only in CM Eknath Shinde, who will give us justice. We request him to intervene and resolve the crisis. We have already given a list of issues/ demands to the CMO.”
Chahal said in a day or two, 100% of the BEST fleet will be operational. “On Monday, 79% of the fleet was operated as compared to 60% on Saturday. This was due to private and MSRTC buses operating along with BEST,” he said.
Transport experts said it was not really helping commuters as MSRTC and private drivers do not know the routes well. “Getting MSRTC drivers to show an improved number of buses on roads is eyewash,” said an expert.
Chahal countered that MSRTC drivers had the experience of operating city buses during the pandemic from June 2020 to May 2021.
BEST general manager Vijay Singhal said he has issued an ultimatum to contractors. “I have been assured they will arrange for 200 drivers to operate their buses, besides 100 more from MSRTC will join on Tuesday. I will be able to operate 95% of the fleet which will ensure buses arrive at all stops,” he added.
Guardian minister (suburban) Mangalprabhat Lodha said BEST services were expected to be “fully restored within the next 24-48 hours”. The government is running 2,651 buses, including 180 MSRTC and 200 school buses and will hold talks to ease the situation.
“BEST has brushed off its responsibility and put the onus on contractors and this is not a solution to the ongoing crisis,” said one of the experts TOI spoke to, adding BEST must own and operate its own fleet.
(With inputs from
Priyanka Kakodkar)
