The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) is confronting severe shortages in its bus fleet, primarily due to delays from manufacturers. Earlier this month, BEST contacted Switch Mobility, the manufacturer of its double-decker AC buses, to expedite the delivery of 150 units that have been delayed for nearly two years. Additionally, BEST is addressing the issue of pending government subsidies amounting to ₹400 crore (approximately $48 million USD) owed to Olectra Greentech, which manufactures single-decker AC e-buses. Senior officials from BEST have consulted a legal advisor regarding a dispute with Switch Mobility over the installation of the Electronic Vehicle Stability Control (EVSC) unit, a safety device mandated for double-decker e-buses since 2023. The legal advisor confirmed that there has been no change in law, and BEST has urged Switch Mobility to find an amicable solution within a month. If no suitable response is received, BEST may consider terminating the contract. Currently, BEST operates 50 double-decker e-buses at a cost of approximately ₹65 (around $0.78 USD) per kilometer. With only 934 out of 4,650 e-buses expected from both manufacturers delivered so far, Mumbai requires at least 10,000 buses to meet the needs of its population.