The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is set to bolster its green transportation initiative by adding 287 electric buses to its fleet. Currently, the city has 1,027 electric buses in operation, which include 90 non-air-conditioned 9-metre electric buses functioning as metro feeder services. An additional 637 non-air-conditioned 12-metre electric buses have been introduced, with the latest batch scheduled to join the fleet by the end of November.
Under the Bengaluru Smart City scheme, BMTC plans to enhance its operations with 760 more electric buses, comprising 320 air-conditioned and 148 non-air-conditioned 12-metre vehicles, funded through the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24 scheme. BMTC currently runs 5,725 schedules across 59 routes, covering 11.73 lakh kilometres daily and serving over 40 lakh passengers.
A BMTC official emphasized that the rollout of electric buses aligns with the corporation’s strategy to phase out diesel vehicles in favor of environmentally friendly alternatives. ‘The shift from diesel to electric buses significantly reduces carbon emissions, aiding in climate change mitigation,’ the official stated.
Furthermore, the electric fleet is estimated to save approximately 51,000 litres of diesel daily, preventing the emission of 1.38 lakh kilograms of carbon dioxide. The transition not only enhances air quality by eliminating harmful pollutants but also contributes to public health by reducing noise pollution, which is critical in urban settings. Overall, BMTC’s initiative underscores its commitment to sustainable public transport solutions.
