A recent rumour has been spreading that the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking is shutting down its Oshiwara Depot on 1 August 2021.
The rumour was started by a group called Aapli BEST (आपली बेस्ट आपल्याचसाठी) on Facebook. In a series of tweets, they shared the same fake news, which was soon shared by several bus fans on both Instagram and Whatsapp stories. Below is a screenshot of one such story.
The post makes allegations that according to information received from “sources”, the Oshiwara Depot will shut on 1 August 2021 and the routes from the depot will be handled by the adjacent Goregaon Depot. It then says that staff from Oshiwara too will be transferred to Goregaon and that discussions between the undertaking’s administration and staff happened over the last few days. It then goes on to say that the sudden decision left the workers at BEST in a panic and that the reason behind BEST’s decision was not certain. The post then makes the allegation that BEST employees have reported that the land was sold to the builder lobby before completely changing topic to talking about private buses. It then says BEST has already got private buses and private staffers (buses on a wet lease) before asking the undertaking if it planned on completely privatising the service. The post ended with the question asking if the alleged closure of the Oshiwara depot was not a precursor to complete privatisaion.
The entire post makes little no sense. As a former journalist, one thing I have learned over the last few years is, never rely on any report that directly says “sources”. Two, if BEST was intending on privatising itself, why would land for the Depot be sold? Wouldn’t the private player also require the depot land to maintain and operate buses?
BEST put all doubts to rest by responding to the tweets, stating that the information being spread was incorrect.
So no. Oshiwara Depot is not being shut down. BEST has clarified this.
Featured image: Goregaon and Oshiwara Depot at night by Ravi Ahlawat (Google Maps)
Thanks to Rupak Dhakate and Yash Mhadgut for their inputs.
If you intend to step out please wear a mask, carry sanitizer and maintain social distancing.
One thought on “No, Oshiwara Depot Is Not Shutting Down”