BEST Wet-Lease Bus Drivers Allegedly Caught Buying Alcohol: Viral Videos Surface

Mumbai: A series of videos purportedly showing drivers of wet-leased buses from Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buying or consuming alcohol have gone viral, intensifying scrutiny on the city’s public transport system.

The circulation of these videos follows the tragic December 9 accident in Kurla West, where a BEST wet-leased electric bus ploughed into vehicles and pedestrians, leaving seven dead and 42 injured.

A senior BEST official confirmed the presence of four videos this week. In one incident, a driver was caught consuming alcohol at the wheel at Mulund depot, reportedly on election day. The driver was dismissed immediately. Three other clips allegedly show drivers stopping their buses by the roadside in Bandra East, Andheri, and an unidentified location to purchase alcohol.

"The Mulund video directly compromises safety protocols, and we are taking strict action," said the official. While some drivers have been terminated, actions for others remain under review.

In response, BEST Kamgar Sena president Suhas Samant criticized the incidents, calling them “damaging to the organization’s reputation.” He highlighted that BEST's regular staff are held to stricter conduct regulations compared to wet-lease drivers.

To prevent further accidents, BEST management, led by general manager Anilkumar Diggikar, plans to implement stricter measures, including mandatory breathalyser tests for all drivers.