The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) had taken several buses out of operation a few days back following incidents of fire in some buses. Due to this, passengers traveling in BEST buses on many routes were facing problems.
The effect of paucity of buses on many routes connecting important parts of the city was clearly visible on other transport. However, all the buses have been regularized last week and the woes of the people are expected to end from Monday. 400 buses of Bharat Stage-6 (BS6) standard were purchased through lease contractors. Incidents of fire were happening in these buses due to manufacturing defects.
After these accidents happened during the journey in three buses, the administration decided to remove all 400 buses from service. All these were non AC CNG buses. However, the manufacturing defects of these buses have been rectified, and all the buses have been made regular again.
Effect for 20 days
Due to the withdrawal of all 400 buses from BEST’s service, Mumbai witnessed a shortage of buses on many routes. Passengers faced a lot of trouble. The company thoroughly tested all the 400 buses for 20 days and after rectifying the manufacturing defects, BEST was back in service. According to sources, some parts have been changed in the engine.
Special buses will have to be taken care of An official said that all the fire incidents took place in BS-6 buses. Engines have had to be changed in one or one and a half year old buses. There are many problems facing these buses. However, there are frequent complaints of technical glitches. A BEST official, on the condition of anonymity, said that every day 10-15 buses have to be removed after they find fault. The engineers of the company were called for the 400 buses that have been inspected so far. The engine was replaced under his supervision. Many parts were ordered by air.
Gas leak complaint
On inspection it was found that gas was leaking and the engine was overheating more than normal. CNG tubes have also been replaced after inspection. All these buses are in warranty period. It is suspected that the incidents of fire were taking place due to the heating of the engine and the adjacent gas supply pipe. The Government of India has implemented the rule of operating vehicles based on BS-6 standards from April 2020.
