Ever since it suffered extensive damages in the deluge that struck Mumbai on July 26, 2005, and was subsequently shut down, the Kurla BEST depot is still non-operational. Earlier, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport management had planned to get the place renovated in three years.
Why is the depot important?
With connectivity to Mumbai University, Bandra Kurla Complex and Chembur, Kurla is one of the busiest suburbs on the eastern side. The depot used to cater to these and many other destinations. Currently, all the work related to it are being done at Dharavi depot. Even the staff is operating from there. The shifting is inconveniencing scores of commuters.
Who was to carry out the job?
The transport undertaking had engaged a contractor to carry out a complete renovation of the depot in three years. The BEST committee members recently raised this issue and wanted to know why the contractor had not been taken to task for the delay.
What do committee members say?
Sunil Ganacharya, BEST committee member, said the contractor has not been penalised for breach of contract. "The contractor should be fined for delaying the project for five years. The BEST has lost huge revenue due to this delay. Because of the shift in complete operations from Kurla to Dharavi, the detouring must be to the tune of few lakh kilometres, causing further loss. Why BEST should pay for the developer's negligence?"
What was BEST's response?
In a reply to members, BEST GM O P Gupta revealed that the work is already completed, but the opening had to be postponed due to election code of conduct. The members, however, were not satisfied with the reply. Hanumant Gophane, PRO of the organisation, said, "The work on Kurla depot is not yet completed. No sooner BEST decides to open it, we will certainly inform you."
