Karnataka plans to target rural and underserved areas to strengthen public transport connectivity statewide.

Karnataka has initiated procurement of 15,000 buses to improve public transport and strengthen connectivity statewide.

Karnataka has begun the process of procuring around 15,000 new buses through its four State-owned transport corporations, Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh said.

The Minister said the new buses would be introduced in phases, depending on the availability of funds.

The initiative is aimed at improving public transport connectivity in areas that continue to face inadequate bus services, particularly rural and transport-deprived regions. The Minister said the phased procurement would help strengthen the public transport system across the State while ensuring that available financial resources were utilised effectively.

The four State-owned transport corporations will undertake the procurement, with the buses expected to augment existing fleets and improve services in underserved areas.

The announcement comes amid the State government’s efforts to expand and improve public transportation infrastructure and make bus services more accessible to people in rural and semi-urban areas.

Suresh also highlighted the government’s student bus pass initiative, under which nearly 10 lakh students have been provided free bus passes.

According to the Minister, the scheme has involved an expenditure of ₹286 crore. The initiative is aimed at facilitating easier and affordable travel for students, particularly those who depend on public transport to commute to educational institutions.

The proposed procurement of 15,000 buses is expected to provide a major boost to fleet strength and help transport corporations expand services to areas where demand for public transport remains high.