“News reports often mention incidents like ‘A speeding bus ran over people on the roadside, killing 8 and injuring 35.’ While such news is common these days, this time the difference was that the bus was part of Mumbai’s prestigious BEST undertaking.
This incident cannot simply be brushed off as a “driver’s mistake.” The administration of BEST, the contractor *I.V.E.Y. Trans Pvt. Ltd.*, which supplied the electric buses, and the exploitation of contract workers within the BEST undertaking are all responsible for this tragic event.
I.V.E.Y. Trans Pvt. Ltd., a company based in Hyderabad, was awarded the contract to supply electric buses to BEST. Not just once, but three times, this company secured tenders for BEST services. However, these tenders were marred with several issues. Despite these flaws, the company used its experience to secure contracts in various cities across India. The Maharashtra Navnirman Kamgar Sena had brought this matter to the attention of the then-Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and followed up on the issue through correspondence, but no concrete action was taken.
The technology used in these buses is from the Chinese company BYD, and even today, if there is a major breakdown, BEST has to contact Chinese officials. When the contractor took the tender, it was mandatory for them to transfer the maintenance technology to BEST, but this has never happened.
There are several technical flaws in the specifications of these buses, which were pointed out in the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s letters. Additionally, this contractor does not even have a permanent office in Mumbai.
The workers who are suffering the consequences of this situation are never considered. How much are these workers paid? No one seems to care. In the BEST undertaking, which is a municipal service, other contractual workers under the municipal corporation are paid according to the 2015 Maharashtra government GR, but the workers in BEST are not given the same wages. The Maharashtra Navnirman Kamgar Sena has been fighting for this issue at various levels for many months. The Labor Commissioner’s office keeps delaying action, citing “election reasons.” Workers who need jobs are forced to accept low wages and often take on additional work to sustain their families. This immense stress on the workers increases the likelihood of accidents, which cannot be denied.
If we compare the wages and living standards of transport workers in countries around the world with those of our own workers, it is clear that the government has no compassion for the workers or the passengers who rely on their services every day.
Through this open letter, we respectfully request Hon’ble Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to order a full investigation into the contractor *I.V.E.Y. Trans Pvt. Ltd. (Olectra)* and to ensure that they set up a permanent office in Mumbai immediately so that in case of such incidents or for addressing worker issues, their officials can be contacted. Additionally, a high-level committee should be formed to investigate the wages being paid to workers under all the contractors working with BEST.
All political parties must come together to provide life-saving measures for the struggling BEST undertaking.
