City: Mumbai

In Part 1 of this series, we discussed how BEST’s wet-leased buses — owned and operated by private contractors — are rapidly replacing its own fleet. In Part 2, we explore how this model is impacting the quality of bus services.Last December, nine people were killed and another 37 injured in an accident involving a wet-leased electric bus in Kurla. According to the police, the driver had not been adequately trained before being moved to an automatic electric bus from manual, geared buses. Under the wet-leasing model, introduced to cut BEST’s costs, a contractor owns and operates the bus, and…

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST), considered Mumbai’s second-biggest public transport lifeline, is far from its glory days. The bus accident in Kurla last December that killed nine passengers has brought sharp scrutiny on its operations. The company is also battling losses and recurrent workers’ strikes, the latest one being a flash strike by drivers last week at Wadala depot. According to activists and the BEST Workers’ Union, the core problem is the wet-leasing model introduced in 2018, under which contractors own and operate buses on behalf of BEST. Since then, BEST has steeply reduced its own fleet,…

A massive facelift of railway stations is underway in Mumbai and its extended suburbs. As part of this exercise, seventeen local suburban railway stations including that of Khar, Ghatkopar, Kandivli, Borivali, Goregaon etc  have been taken up for commercial redevelopment at a cost of over Rs 900 crores. More than 6.43 lakh sq ft or 147 acres of elevated commercial spaces are being created across railway stations as part of this exercise.  This project, which has been undertaken as part of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP- 3A) is unlike earlier rail station developments in that the exercise is not…

"Whenever anyone mentions the word 'cancer,' it makes me feel uneasy. My children don't even say the word in front of me," said 73-year-old Chhabubai Kshirsagar from Govandi, Mumbai, wiping away her tears. Draped in a cotton nine-yard saree with a pallu over her head, Chhabubai once had long, waist-length hair. However, after undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, her hair started falling out and eventually, all of it was gone. This loss has left a deep emotional impact on her. "I’ve carefully preserved my lost hair," Chhabubai said softly, gently running her hand over the short new hair that has…

The green cover at Dindoshi Hills in Malad East is one among the disappearing forests of Mumbai. Rich in biodiversity, it extends over 138 hectares and is close to Tulsi Lake and Kanheri Caves. Unfortunately, the hills have fallen prey to the greed of developers, leading to deforestation. During a study conducted by Vanashakti from June 2021 to October 2022, we found forty species of plants in the close vicinity of the site. This includes Strobilanthes callosa, locally known as karvy, which blooms once in seven years and is categorised as ‘threatened’ in the IUCN Red List. We also observed…

Manvi Goyal, a PR professional, struggled to adapt to Mumbai's polluted air after living in the pristine hills of Kurseong, Darjeeling. “In two years, I have fallen ill several times,” she recounts. She suffers from breathing difficulties and constant dehydration despite drinking water. Manvi is one of many Mumbaikars affected by the city's worsening air quality. On December 30th, the BMC implemented certain sections of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in parts of Mumbai to improve air quality. Which GRAP IV measures did BMC implement?* Immediate stop to private and public construction in areas where the…

“Ek Akela Is Shehar MeinRaat Mein Aur Dopahar MeinAabodaana Dhoondta Hai Aashiyana Dhoondta Hai” (A single, solitary man seeks day and night for his fortune and a shelter in this city). These lines by Gulzar — sung in the rich, deep voice of Bhupinder for the movie Gharonda (1977) and mouthed by Amol Palekar wearing a haggard, defeated look on screen — resonate among many youngsters in Mumbai even today, as they look for a sanctuary in the city, a space they can call home. Mumbai, with its charm and promises of a better future, draws people from all over the…

Mumbai may not yet be Delhi but it doesn't mean that the air we breathe in the city is healthy. Though Delhi stands out among the most polluted cities during winters with its smog and alarming levels of AQI, the toxicity of Mumbai air is considered to be higher, according to this report from The Times of India. This is because of the increasing concentration of PM2.5 from automobiles, industries, construction activities and garbage burning, all of which affect air quality. Read more: Mumbai’s air pollution: Smog chal raha hai Mumbai's proximity to the sea is no longer a guarantee…

Oval Maidan in Mumbai is at once several things for Mumbai and Mumbaikars. It is an important ground for cricket and has been declared a Grade 1 Heritage Maidan by the government. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai', it serves as a much-needed green lung and open space in the city. However, not many people know that the Oval Maidan is also home to a successful rainwater harvesting system. Although not visible above ground, this system has been quietly and consistently replenishing the water table and providing water for the upkeep…

In the year of most elections all over the world and some stunning results in various parts of the world, I too was preoccupied with elections in Mumbai - General, State assembly (and BMC, which are yet to happen). The year started with a carry forward of winter pollution and in no time temperatures soared where we were left dealing with extreme urban heat amidst election frenzy in the country. As we covered various issues ranging from pedestrian rights, water scarcity, student stress, climate change and voter awareness, I realise more than ever that most of the problems we grapple…