Over 100 Wet-Leased Buses Lie Unused At Mumbai Depot, Covered In Vegetation

Over 100 Wet-Leased Buses Lie Unused At Mumbai Depot, Covered In Vegetation

The neglected buses at Anik (Wadala) depot have become overgrown with vegetation, creating a startling scene of abandonment.

For many years, Mumbai's local trains have operated beyond their intended capacity, serving as the city's essential transportation network. The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses could potentially alleviate this pressure, yet approximately 100 wet-leased vehicles remain dormant, engulfed by thick vegetation at the Anik (Wadala) depot. Images of these abandoned buses have circulated widely across social media platforms, with many users describing the verdant graveyard as symbolic of the inefficiency plaguing Mumbai's civic transport authority.

According to The Indian Express, these buses cannot be utilized by BEST due to ongoing legal complications. Currently, they remain under a Court Receiver's possession, with a liquidator appointed in October last year. Although plans existed to auction these vehicles, the process has stalled. Since these buses are not officially part of the BEST fleet, they cannot be operated until all legal matters reach resolution.

A BEST official explained the situation: "These buses belong to the Court Receiver, although they are housed on BEST grounds. As the issue is under litigation and an auction process is ongoing, BEST is not in a position to utilize them."

As images of the vegetation-covered buses gained traction online, social media responses varied. One user humorously commented: "When public transport goes green: introducing the new eco-friendly, foliage-powered bus fleet. Leaves included at no extra charge!"

Another user expressed frustration: "How shameful of this government to waste public money like this. It looks like there is no accountability at all."

Image captured from Anik #Best Depot, #Wadala, #Mumbai. When public transport goes green: introducing the new eco-friendly, foliage-powered bus fleet. Leaves included at no extra charge! #CleanMumbai #GreenMumbai pic.twitter.com/x2n0uOEszV

— Hari Krishna Patwari (@harithewarrior) July 26, 2025

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What are wet-lease buses? The concept of wet-leasing buses by BEST was initially proposed during meetings with the BMC commissioner in 2019, after which the model received approval and implementation.

Under the wet-lease model, BEST does not own the buses. Instead, the transport authority contracts with private operators who provide both the vehicles and drivers. These contractors bear responsibility for hiring personnel (drivers and conductors) and maintaining the fleet.

BEST typically compensates these services at a fixed kilometer-based rate while retaining control over routes, schedules, and fare structures to meet the city's transportation needs.

While this model forms an essential component of BEST's operations and was implemented to address Mumbai's growing public transport demands, union leaders have criticized the administration's dependence on wet-leased buses, arguing that it creates vulnerability within the system.