BEST, Olectra Trade Blame Over Power Dues As EV Bus Services Suffer

Mumbai's BEST bus services were partially affected after electric bus charging was disrupted at depots due to an alleged delay in electricity bill payments by operator Olectra.

BEST committee member Ajay Singh alleged Olectra failed to pay electricity bills to Adani Power despite receiving regular monthly payments from BEST.

Power supply was disconnected at depots including Majiwada and Gorai, preventing charging of electric buses and causing service disruptions.

Olectra cited pending payments from BEST since April 2026 (30% of monthly dues), creating cash-flow problems, and said rising electricity costs have increased operating expenses to nearly Rs 20 per km against a contract rate of Rs 10.50 per km.