Mumbai BEST bus strike called off after Eknath Shinde agrees to pay hikes

The three-day indefinite strike by employees of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking was officially called off on Sunday night, June 21, 2026. The decision followed a crucial meeting held at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, bringing an end to the transit halt.

The resolution to withdraw the strike was reached after detailed discussions chaired by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The meeting brought together representatives of the BEST Sanyukt Kamgar Kruti Samiti, the union that was leading the agitation, along with other key stakeholders.

The strike had severely disrupted public bus services across Mumbai for three consecutive days, causing major travel difficulties for commuters. The breakthrough came after Deputy Chief Minister Shinde addressed the financial demands of the protesting transport workers.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sachin Ahir, who also serves as the coordinator of a joint action committee of the BEST employees' unions, made the announcement to call off the protest after the conclusion of the meeting.

Under the terms agreed upon during the discussions, permanent employees of the transport undertaking will receive an interim pay hike of ₹3,000 per month. Additionally, wet-lease employees will receive an interim pay hike of ₹2,000 per month.

Ahir stated that some of the other major demands raised by the employees' unions had also been accepted by the administration. He added that BEST buses would soon return to the city's roads, restoring normal public transport operations across Mumbai.