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The recent tragic bus accident in Kurla, claiming seven lives, has cast a harsh spotlight on the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking's wet lease model. This incident, one of the deadliest in BEST's 98-year history, is not an isolated event. A grim pattern of accidents involving BEST buses, particularly those operated under the wet lease system, has unfolded throughout the year, resulting in a total of ten fatalities. Retired BEST officials have acknowledged that while accidents involving BEST buses have occurred before, the scale of loss of life in recent months is unprecedented, indicating a serious systemic problem demanding immediate attention.
The wet lease model, introduced ostensibly to address BEST's financial difficulties, involves outsourcing the operation of buses to private contractors. While BEST retains ownership of the vehicles, the contractors are responsible for driving, maintenance, and operational costs. BEST, however, retains control over route management and scheduling. This arrangement has, however, proven to be a significant source of safety concerns, with a worrying number of recent fatal accidents directly linked to buses operated under the wet lease system. These accidents underscore a potential failure in the system’s safety protocols and oversight mechanisms.
Several specific incidents exemplify the concerning trend. In September, an incident in Kala Chowky involved a passenger allegedly under the influence of alcohol causing a wet lease bus to veer off course, resulting in one fatality. October witnessed another fatal accident in Prabhadevi where a speeding wet lease bus collided with a parked car, killing a pedestrian. Further incidents, including a fatality in June near the Mahim bus depot and another near Ghatkopar, involved wet lease buses and highlight the recurring nature of these safety issues. The sheer number of accidents, particularly those involving wet lease contractors, points towards a lack of adequate driver training, insufficient vehicle maintenance, or a combination of both.
Experts and former BEST officials have been outspoken in their criticism of the wet lease model. Transport expert Ashok Datar directly attributed the accidents to the failures inherent in the system, emphasizing the lack of sufficient oversight of private contractors. Ashish Chemburkar, a former BEST chairman, echoed these concerns, highlighting the ambiguity surrounding the responsibility for driver training under the wet lease arrangement. He argued that while BEST trains its own drivers, the training of drivers employed by contractors is inadequately addressed. He further criticized the current BEST administration, noting the absence of a committee involving local body representatives since 2022 due to the dissolution of the BMC and the lack of corporators. This lack of oversight, he suggests, contributes to the systemic problems affecting safety.
The current situation necessitates a comprehensive review of BEST's wet lease model. The frequency of accidents, the consistent involvement of wet lease buses, and the criticisms levelled by experts and former officials all point to a system in need of urgent reform. A thorough investigation into the causes of these accidents is crucial, focusing not only on immediate causes like driver negligence or mechanical failure, but also on the larger systemic issues related to contractor oversight, driver training, vehicle maintenance, and the overall effectiveness of the wet lease model. Without substantial changes and improved safety protocols, the public continues to face unacceptable risks while using BEST’s public transportation system. A re-evaluation of the wet lease contract terms, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and increased accountability for both BEST and its contractors are essential to address these concerns and prevent future tragedies.
The debate over the BEST wet lease model extends beyond mere safety concerns. It highlights a broader issue of balancing financial constraints with public safety. While the wet lease system was implemented to address BEST's financial challenges, it appears to have come at a significant cost in terms of public safety. The question arises whether the financial benefits of the model outweigh the unacceptable risks it poses to commuters. A thorough cost-benefit analysis, incorporating the human cost of accidents, is necessary to inform future decisions about the viability and future of the wet lease model. This analysis should consider alternative approaches that prioritize public safety without necessarily compromising the financial stability of BEST.
Moving forward, the focus must be on improving safety, not just addressing the immediate aftermath of accidents. This involves not only stricter enforcement of existing regulations, but also a proactive approach to preventative measures. This includes establishing clear guidelines for driver training and vehicle maintenance for contractors, strengthening oversight mechanisms, and ensuring that these are consistently implemented and enforced. Regular inspections, robust safety audits, and transparent reporting mechanisms are crucial for maintaining a high level of accountability. Only a multi-pronged approach addressing both immediate and systemic issues can ensure that the BEST bus system prioritizes passenger safety and provides a reliable and safe mode of transportation for Mumbai's citizens.
Source: Kurla bus accident highlights growing concerns over BEST’s wet lease model