Bengaluru sees surge in Metro usage as summer heat Intensifies; BMTC Introduces 320 New AC Electric Buses

The rising temperatures in Bengaluru are leading to a surge in metro rail usage, with passenger numbers increasing to 900,000 daily, up from an average of 800,000. This is prompting a significant response from the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), which is aiming to ease the strain on its existing fleet.

The BMTC has taken a proactive step, ordering 320 brand-new AC electric buses, manufactured by Ashok Leyland's Om company. These buses will be operational on a lease basis for 12 years, at a cost of ₹65 per kilometre. BMTC plans to deploy these buses across key routes, including Kempegowda International Airport, Majestic, Kengeri, ITPL, and HSR Layout depots, with special emphasis on routes leading to the airport and 900 trip schedules daily.

Initial trials of these AC electric buses have already been successful, according to commuters.  The state's CM and Deputy CM, along with the Transport Minister, Ramalinga Reddy are scheduled to inaugurate the new buses soon.

The introduction of these electric buses is seen as a significant step towards addressing the air pollution concerns within the city.  Commuters are eager for the formal launch of these buses.