BMTC to operate electric AC buses to Bengaluru airport starting May 2025

In a significant move towards sustainability, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) will begin operating electric AC buses to Kempegowda International Airport starting from May 2025. This initiative aims to offer passengers a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to cabs and private vehicles for traveling to the airport.

Currently, BMTC operates Volvo AC buses to the airport, but the new electric buses will replace these by May. Charging stations are being set up within the airport premises, with one located in the parking lot about a kilometer from Terminal-2.

These charging stations will be capable of charging three buses simultaneously. BMTC has procured a total of 320 electric buses from OHM Mobility Limited, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland. The first batch of 58 electric buses will begin operating soon, with some of them replacing older diesel-powered buses on the airport route.

These electric buses will be able to travel up to 200 km on a full charge and will be fully operational under a 12-year agreement for 350 days annually. The buses will be maintained and operated by the company, while BMTC will handle the scheduling and deployment of staff. The move to electric buses is part of a broader initiative by BMTC to reduce operational costs. While maintenance of the current Volvo buses is expensive, the electric buses are expected to be more cost-effective, with lower per-kilometer operating costs. This project is backed by a special grant of ₹150 crore from the state government.