India, Nov. 13 -- The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking signed a concession agreement on Thursday to induct 1,500 air-conditioned electric midi buses under the Union government's PM E-Drive scheme.

The agreement marks a step towards restoring discontinued bus services, improving last-mile connectivity and restoring up to 125 discontinued routes.

The 9-metre-long electric buses will be introduced in phases and are expected to serve residential neighbourhoods, high-density corridors, and areas with narrow, steep roads where operating 12-metre buses is difficult. The expansion is also expected to improve connectivity between residential areas, Metro stations and railway stations.

Earlier this year, the BEST Com...