On Friday, August 15, 2025, at around 3:25 PM, a wet-lease CNG BEST bus on Route 397 caught fire near Kannamwar Nagar, Vikhroli (East). Smoke was first noticed in the driver’s cabin due to a suspected wiring short circuit. The driver and conductor quickly evacuated passengers and used a fire extinguisher before the Mumbai Fire Brigade arrived. The blaze was fully doused by 3:44 PM, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Pattern of Recurring Fires
This incident is not isolated. It is the third major BEST bus fire since April 2025, exposing a disturbing pattern:
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April 2025 – Churchgate:
A wet-lease electric single-decker bus caught fire near Churchgate. BEST immediately ordered inspections of other electric buses from the same contractor. -
July 15, 2025 – South Mumbai (Siddharth College signal):
A double-decker wet-lease bus caught fire when a loose manhole cover scraped against its battery compartment, leading to sparks. No casualties were reported, but the incident raised alarms about road safety and fleet checks. -
August 15, 2025 – Vikhroli, Kannamwar Nagar:
The latest case involving a CNG-powered bus points to possible wiring or electrical faults.
Three fires in such a short span underline serious gaps in preventive maintenance and monitoring of wet-lease vehicles.
Safety Measures and Response
Officials from Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) reiterated that:
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All buses are equipped with fire extinguishers.
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Drivers and conductors receive basic fire safety training.
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In this case, training and equipment helped avert a larger tragedy.
However, commuters and safety experts are demanding systemic changes, not just reactive measures.
Key safety measures proposed:
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Stricter maintenance protocols for wet-lease vehicles.
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Regular electrical inspections of CNG and electric buses.
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Collaboration with Mumbai Fire Brigade for periodic drills.
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Better coordination with road authorities to address external risks such as manhole hazards.
Public Reaction and Concerns
For daily commuters, the incidents have created a sense of unease. Many rely solely on BEST buses for affordable travel, and frequent fire reports have dented public trust.
Social media discussions after the Vikhroli fire highlighted:
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Concerns about contractor accountability.
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Questions over the quality of buses provided under wet-lease agreements.
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Doubts about whether cost-cutting compromises safety.
Transport unions and passenger groups have urged BEST to conduct a comprehensive safety audit of all 4,000+ buses in service, including those procured from private operators.
Historical Context – Kannamwar Nagar
The incident occurred in Kannamwar Nagar, one of Asia’s largest MHADA housing colonies, located along the Eastern Express Highway. Thousands of commuters pass through this zone daily, making it a high-risk area for such mishaps. Quick containment here was crucial to avoid a larger disaster in such a densely populated pocket.
Broader Implications
The repeated fires in Mumbai’s public buses have far-reaching implications:
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Commuter Safety: Frequent fires erode trust and may push people away from public transport.
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Policy and Oversight: BEST must reconsider its procurement, inspection, and maintenance strategies.
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Urban Infrastructure: Road conditions (like loose manholes) also play a role in transport safety.
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Transition to Cleaner Fuels: While CNG and electric buses are greener, improper handling and oversight can introduce new risks.
Conclusion
The BEST bus fire at Kannamwar Nagar on August 15, 2025, though controlled quickly, highlights a worrying trend of recurring fires in Mumbai’s public transport system. The fact that no lives were lost is a relief, but the repeated nature of these incidents signals systemic lapses.
Moving forward, BEST must adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards safety lapses. Immediate measures should include:
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Thorough inspections of wet-lease fleets.
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Holding contractors accountable for maintenance.
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Collaboration with fire authorities for preventive training.
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Transparent reporting of investigation findings.
Only with sustained reforms and vigilance can public trust in Mumbai’s lifeline buses be restored. Until then, every incident—no matter how “minor”—serves as a wake-up call.
