Karnataka approves 4,500 electric buses for Bengaluru, ₹2,000 crore loan for transport
Karnataka will procure 4,500 electric buses for BMTC and take a ₹2,000 crore central loan for depots and stations.
The Karnataka government has approved a major expansion of public transport in the state, clearing the procurement of 4,500 electric buses for the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh announced the decision on September 4, describing it as a significant step for the sector.
The buses will be acquired under the central government's PM E-DRIVE programme. The state expects to spend around ₹600 crore annually on the project, with the total outlay estimated at roughly ₹12,000 crore over a 20-year period.
The fleet will comprise 3,800 buses of 12-metre length and 900 buses of nine-metre length, of which about 400 will be air-conditioned. Vehicles will be supplied in phases by manufacturers, with BMTC paying a fixed per-kilometre charge for their operation. The minister said the initiative is expected to curb pollution in Bengaluru while giving commuters a wider network.
In a parallel move, the state government has decided to borrow ₹2,000 crore from the Centre to strengthen transport infrastructure across Karnataka. The funds will go towards constructing new bus depots and upgrading existing stations statewide.
On fares, the government is weighing a marginal revision. A committee headed by retired IAS officer Atul Kumar Tiwari is studying the matter and is likely to submit its report soon. The minister indicated any increase would be kept minimal to protect commuters from additional financial strain.
Separately, the state plans to distribute free 'Shakti' smart cards to over one crore women under its free bus travel scheme, an exercise expected to cost ₹250 crore.