Over 3,300 BEST buses off road due to strike

Mumbai, Apr 21: Office goers were stranded at the bus stop following an indefinite strike called by the BEST (Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport) Kamgar Sanghatna from midnight protesting the management's alleged decision to cut wages as recommended by the Pay Revision Committee.

BEST Kamgar Karmachari Sangatana president Sharad Rao said, ''The strike was hundred percent and not a single BEST bus is on the road since last night. In fact this is for the first time that the electricity supply employees have joined the strike.'' Some of the suburbs including parts of the metropolis was electricity and water supply since this morning.

BEST spokesperson Abdul Tamboli said, all 3,391 buses were off the road.

However, he denied any impact on the electricity supply in the city.

Mr Rao said he has received a message from Mayor Datta Dalvi's office for a meeting at 1330 hrs today.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government has invoked Essential Service Maintenance Act (ESMA) against the BEST striking employees.

People are travelling by private buses and taxies to reach their offices on time. Private vehicle owners are charging double fare compared to the regular fare.

UNI