Mumbai: Another BEST Bus Catches On Fire, 400 CNG Buses To Halt Operations

Mumbai, 23rd February 2023: As three CNG buses caught fire within a month in Andheri, BEST has decided to completely shut down 400 such buses on Wednesday.

BEST took this step after a CNG bus caught fire at Agarkar Chowk in the railway station area on Wednesday. Two CNG-powered buses of Tata Company, operated by Mateshwari Company, had already caught fire earlier. When BEST Bus No. 415 arrived at Agarkar Chowk near Andheri Railway Station, it was fully loaded with passengers. The bus suddenly caught fire around 6.55 after all the passengers got off. As soon as the fire was reported, police and fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control within 20 to 25 minutes. However, by then, the bus was gutted by fire. One route leading to Andheri station was closed due to the fire. It caused a traffic jam.

BEST decided to shut down 400 buses until necessary changes and appropriate measures are taken in the buses. Therefore, there is a possibility of a change in the schedule. ‘BEST’ appealed to the passengers to keep in mind that 400 buses are closed while planning their journey for the next few days.

The incidents of the CNG bus catching fire happened on 25th January and 11th February. The third incident of the bus fire took place yesterday.