Mumbai commuters endured significant hardship on Friday as buses of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) remained off the roads due to a strike by its employees. The strike, which began early in the morning, affected both the transport and power divisions of the civic undertaking.
Strike Impact on Public Transport
The absence of BEST buses, a lifeline for millions of Mumbaikars, caused chaos across the city. Commuters were left stranded at bus stops, forced to rely on alternative modes of transport such as trains, taxis, and auto-rickshaws, many of which were overcrowded. The strike severely disrupted daily routines, with office-goers, students, and others facing long delays.
BEST operates a fleet of over 3,000 buses, serving around 3.5 million passengers daily. The strike brought the city's public bus network to a standstill, leading to frustration among commuters.
Power Supply Unaffected
While the strike included employees from BEST's power division, power supply to customers in the island city remained unaffected. Officials stated that essential services were being maintained, and no power outages were reported.
The strike was called by various employee unions demanding wage revisions, better working conditions, and other benefits. Talks between the union leaders and BEST management failed to reach a resolution, leading to the work stoppage.
As the day progressed, commuters expressed anger and helplessness. Many took to social media to voice their concerns, urging authorities to resolve the issue swiftly.
The strike is expected to continue until further negotiations are held. Commuters are advised to plan their travel accordingly and explore alternative transport options.
