Written by Vallabh OzarkarMumbai | January 4, 2026 07:33 PM IST 2 min readPitching BEST as an essential public service, the Congress said the civic transport undertaking should not be run with a profit motive (File Photo)Ten days ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the Mumbai unit of the Indian National Congress (INC) on Sunday released a manifesto exclusively focused on reviving the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking.Titled BEST Revival: 9-Point Action Plan, the document has been issued under the banner “Mission BEST Bachao” by Congress leaders Sachin Sawant and MP and Mumbai Pradesh Congress Committee president Varsha Gaikwad.Pitching BEST as an essential public service, the Congress said the civic transport undertaking should not be run with a profit motive. The party blamed the current administrator-led system and increasing dependence on private contractors for rising costs, service cuts and declining reliability.The manifesto proposes that all operational expenses of BEST be borne directly by the BMC, with additional funds raised through parking fees and other municipal charges. It also states that bus fares should not be increased without a public hearing and a recommendation from an independent committee.A key promise in the plan is to halt privatisation. The Congress has said it will stop all new wet-lease and private contracts and bring operations, maintenance and staffing fully under BEST within three years. It has also demanded a CAG-approved independent audit to examine falling revenues, rising costs and the performance of private operators.The manifesto also commits to restoring long-distance and cross-city routes discontinued after 2017 and introducing new east-west and cross-harbour routes based on passenger surveys.Opposing the sale or commercial development of BEST depot land, the Congress said all depots should be reserved strictly for transport-related use and that past land deals must be audited. On passenger safety, it has promised a public portal detailing breakdowns, fires and complaints, daily inspections of contract buses during the transition phase, and regular fire safety checks of electric buses.Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau. Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai. Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including: Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles. Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability). Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development. Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments. Experience Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting. Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism. Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra. He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd