Better than the BEST!!!

Manu Shrivastava | Mumbai

They travel from beyond yonder, changing buses, taking lifts from kind strangers, even walking that extra mile to reach their buses and ply those in essential services to their destinations. That they leave their worrying families behind and surge ahead, to serve, is nothing short of a service that needs to be lauded. They’re nothing short of the BEST!

BEST Workers, drivers and conductors, share a moment of mirth – clapping in tandem on Janta Curfew Day - at Electric House
as they ready to serve those out on essential service in Mumbai. Now, following the Social Distancing rule in place
during the lockdown, they wear masks and greet each other from a 'safe' distance

And, if you thought that BEST was restricted to driving buses and supplying electricity, you’re off the mark. And, among those who work selflessly during the lockdown across Colaba are ‘helpers’ designated as Navghanis who work for the BEST Supply Department and perform ‘nine’ odd jobs for the department.

BEST drivers, conductors and helpers at Colaba Bus Station reporting on duty during the lockdown

Nalasopara-based Nandkumar Jadhav, now in his 29th year of service with the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST), travels all the way daily, even during the lockdown, till downtown Colaba to work. And, sometimes even stays back because of the staff shortage; this, despite scarce provisions of lodging and boarding. “Adjust to karna padega na,” he says.

Navghani Vidyasagar Tiwari (left) and Nandkumar Jadhav work beyond the stipulated shifts during the lockdown

And, like Nandkumar is Vidyasagar Tiwari, also having completed 29 years of service with the BEST, who travels all the way from Mira Road. ‘Navghani’ Tiwari says, “Lockdown shuru hua tab se ek din ki chutti bhi nahin mili. Aaj desh ko hamari zaroorat hai.” So, Mr Tiwari works even beyond the stipulated eight-hour shift and, more so, without a complaint. Colleague Sameer Mankar too travels daily, all the way from Kalyan, without a break but faces the ire of an insensitive people during this time.

Navghani Sameer Mankar, like several other staff members, comes from far despite commuting hassles

Now, to reach their workplace, the BEST workers commute by any BEST bus earmarked for essential services and available for use during the lockdown. “However, when we alight a BEST bus earmarked for KEM or JJ Hospital staff, for instance, the passengers resist our entry saying it’s for ‘essential staff’, little realising that we too are ‘essential staff’ and that we do not have any buses earmarked exclusively for BEST workers,” rues Mr Mankar.

The extraordinary circumstances have changed things for BEST staff too. Like BEST driver Pravin Landge deputed at the Worli bus depot, now drives his vehicle with Kurla-based conductor Dhanaji Madane, not his regular conductor, owing to the lockdown shakeup. “My driver had travelled to his village in Maharashtra to drop his children home during the Coronavirus crisis and has got grounded there because of the lockdown,” says Mr Madane.

BEST driver Pravin Landge (left) and conductor Dhanaji Madane of Worli Depot getting ready to ply their route

BEST bus driver Mahesh Vanjari comes from Kalyan everyday and despite the problems in commuting to work, he doesn't complain. Parel-based Mahesh Jambhale, also a driver makes sure to reach on time to ensure other essential service providers reach their destinations on time too.

Concurrently, for a few like BEST driver Omprakash Meher, times aren’t as bad. He is a Colaba resident. “Mein toh ghar ja sakta hoon and roz duty pe aa bhi sakta hoon,” he adds.

Bus drivers Mahesh Vanjari (left) and Mahesh Jambhale work diligently to ensure other
essential service providers reach their destinations on time

Several other departments, such as the BEST's Operation and Maintenance department that maintains reliable electric supply, ensure the smooth functioning of BEST services. Electricians Anil Dhanavade, Vijay Sawant, Raja Kunne and Sanjay Jaiswal employed with this department in the South Zone come to work every day to Colaba Bus Station and without fail!

(From left) Anil Dhanavade, Vijay Sawant, Raja Kunne and Sanjay Jaiswal employed with
BEST's Operation and Maintenance Department (South Zone)

The BEST has, true to its nature, stood firm even in the times of Coronavirus and the lockdown. Sensitive and patient, as always, its staff – Drivers, Conductors and Navghanis continue to serve, and with a smile.

(Note: Some subjects may have removed their masks only to be identified in photographs to be used with this news report. COVID-19 appropriate behaviour has been maintained at all times)

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