Green mobility boost
Bengaluru
The Central Government has sanctioned 5,700 electric buses (EVs) for Bengaluru under the FAME and PM-Drive schemes, aiming to promote eco-friendly and sustainable city transport, said MP Tejaswi Surya. Out of these, 1,221 buses are currently operational in the city.
Addressing the media here on Wednesday, Tejaswi expressed his satisfaction over the EV bus rollout, highlighting that Bengaluru is among the leading cities to receive such a fleet. Across India, 21,000 EV buses have been sanctioned under these schemes to modernize public transport and reduce carbon emissions.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries clarified that 425 electric buses were sanctioned under FAME-1, 6,862 under FAME-2, and 13,800 under PM E-Drive. Of these, Bengaluru received 1,221 buses under FAME-2 and 4,500 under PM E-Drive, with 1,221 buses already in operation.
Min complains of tech glitch
However, concerns about the technical performance of the buses have emerged with Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy stating about around 13,000 reported cases of breaking down of EV buses, primarily involving private operators handling maintenance under the GCC model. Reddy even claimed that a letter has been sent to Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, seeking action to address battery recharge issues, driver training gaps, and maintenance problems.
BMTC-operated buses reported only 321 breakdowns, but private-operated buses have seen higher issues. The Ministry will review the performance of GCC operators and CESL-managed projects, focusing on safety compliance, driver training, and reducing breakdown incidents.
The EV bus initiative is expected to strengthen Bengaluru’s green transport infrastructure while ensuring smoother, safer, and environmentally friendly commuting for citizens.