In a significant stride towards sustainable and eco-friendly public transportation, the Karnataka government has revealed plans to introduce 1,400 electric buses. The initiative, led by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), is slated to commence operations in April next year, with the aim of improving connectivity and curbing environmental impact.
The formal inauguration of this groundbreaking project took place at the Vidhana Soudha, where Chief Minister Shri. Siddaramaiah flagged off the first batch of 100 electric buses, including both non-AC and AC variants. These buses, equipped with advanced features like panic buttons, wheelchair ramps, and digital destination boards, underscore a commitment to safety, accessibility, and modern commuting conveniences.
A key highlight of the initiative is the emphasis on women’s empowerment through the provision of free travel for female passengers. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the energy-saving benefits of electric buses, particularly in the context of public transportation, highlighting their positive contribution to environmental conservation.
As part of the broader strategy to combat air pollution, the Karnataka government has awarded the lease for operating 921 electric buses to TML Smart City Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of Tata Motors. The first phase of the project includes the deployment of 100 electric buses, capable of covering an impressive 200 kilometers on a single charge.
What sets this initiative apart is its affordability, with a lease cost of just INR 41 per kilometer, marking the lowest lease cost for electric buses in the country. This cost-effectiveness is anticipated to serve as a model for other states, encouraging widespread adoption of sustainable public transportation solutions.
The fleet of newly introduced electric buses will operate on 19 carefully selected routes within Bangalore city, providing a total of 834 trips. These 35-seater capacity buses will traverse key routes such as Majestic Bus Stand to Koramangala, Banashankari to Harohalli, Shivaji Nagar to Kadugodi, Majestic to Sarjapura, Anekal, Attibele, and several others.
In a landscape where urban centers worldwide are grappling with pollution concerns, Karnataka’s ambitious initiative positions the state as a frontrunner in fostering a cleaner, greener, and more efficient future for public transportation.
