BEST leasing out its premises to MTNL at heavily discounted rates

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) is giving out its premises to Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) at a throwaway price, but wants Mumbaikars to pay more to compensate for the revenue losses.

In a proposal, the BEST expressed its wish to lease out its space inside Majas Depot for just Rs48 per sq ft per month, and Rs33 per sq ft for open developed land. In all, MTNL will pay Rs53,706 per month as rent at the prime property on Jogeshwari Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR).

Kedar Hombalkar, a member of BEST's committee said: "BEST has been burdening commuters with repeated fare hike, but on the other hand, is giving away its premises at throwaway rates."

From February 1, the BEST increased its bus tariff, which will be hiked once again from April 1.

Yakub Memon, another BEST committee member said that market rates should be charged to MTNL, adding: "MTNL doesn't provide their services to BEST at discounted rates, so why give them land at such a low price?"

The authorities have calculated the ready reckoner rate to be levied to MTNL. Moreover, in the five-year-long agreement, it has not even accounted for annual increase in rentals, thereby raising objections from members.

At the moment, the MTNL telephone exchange located at Shyam Nagar on JVLR will be shifted as the building has been served with eviction notice by the civic body, as the building is in a dilapidated condition.