The only route to have generated profits in the last five years made a mere Rs 35,000. From financial year 2013 to 2018, the only year that made this profit, if at all it was one, was 2015-16.
In the past five years, only one BEST bus route has yielded profits. And to make matters worse, yearly data reflects an even deteriorating trend. The only route to have generated profits in the last five years made a mere Rs 35,000. From financial year 2013 to 2018, the only year that made this profit, if at all it was one, was 2015-16.
DNA received this information after filing a first appeal with the RTI. The SIC, in an earlier order, had directed the undertaking to provide yearly figures to DNA. The undertaking has now implemented that order and has also disclosed details of yearly profit and losses of all its bus routes on the website as part of suo motu disclosure.
DNA, in its June 15 issue, had reported the revenue troubles of the city’s iconic bus service, which has come to Mumbai’s rescue in times of crisis. The profit was made after an operational cost of Rs 60.96 lakhs was covered by revenue of Rs 61.30 lakhs (see box).
As per figures, the top 10 loss-making routes have suffered over 50% losses as compared to their operational cost. The only saving grace is the reduction in losses in 2017-18 than the previous year, when it was less than 50% of operational cost.
“The issue should not be looked at as a profit and loss one. Arranging transport is their job. The problem is that no one is doing their job properly. They cannot do something properly and they blame the business,” said Kedar Hombalkar, former BEST committee member.
“We are trying to revive the BEST. The problem is that most crowd has moved to shorter distance and people do not want to take long distance buses and the state is not providing dedicated bus lanes,” said Ashish Chemburkar, BEST chairman.
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