Major Boost for Public Transport in Bengaluru as BMTC Launches New Package Tours, Express Routes, and Digital Initiatives; Group Insurance Beneficiaries Receive Landmark Payouts
Bengaluru: In a significant move to strengthen Bengaluru's public transport ecosystem, Karnataka's Hon’ble Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on June 20, 2025, led a series of impactful initiatives by the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). The day witnessed the launch of express services, a new “Ghati Isha Foundation” pilgrimage package tour, and the distribution of ₹1.5 crore insurance compensation to the families of deceased BMTC employees under the corporation's Group Insurance Scheme.
Express Services and New Routes Flagged Off
Minister Ramalinga Reddy officially inaugurated multiple new express routes under the “Vegadoot (Express Services)” initiative. These limited-stop services aim to decongest city traffic and provide faster, more efficient travel across Bengaluru.
“With these express routes, we are moving towards faster and more reliable connectivity for our citizens,”
said Ramalinga Reddy, Transport Minister of Karnataka.
New Express Routes Starting 21.06.2025:
starting from June 21, 2025. The new services include Route Ex-KBS-3A, which connects Kempegowda Bus Stand to Attibele, operating 56 trips per day at 30-minute intervals. Route Ex-600F begins at Banashankari TTMC and also travels to Attibele, with 68 daily trips running every 30 minutes. For commuters heading towards Devanahalli, Route Ex-298M from Kempegowda Bus Stand offers 56 trips per day,
scheduled every 20 minutes. Similarly, Route Ex-213V operates between Banashankari TTMC and Harohalli, offering 80 trips daily, with a 20-minute frequency. Lastly, Route Ex-258C provides service from Kempegowda Bus Stand to Nelamangala, running 88 trips daily, also at a 20-minute frequency.
After the success of its Isha Foundation package, BMTC has launched a new “Ghati Isha Foundation” tour catering to the growing spiritual tourism around Bengaluru. The tour begins from June 21, 2025, covering prominent pilgrimage destinations and offering air-conditioned buses on weekends and public holidays.
Key Highlights of the Tour:
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Departure: Kempegowda Bus Station, 9:00 AM
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Destinations: Nelamangala Anjaneya Temple, Ghati Subrahmanya, Jnana Teertha Linga, Skandagiri, Kalyani (Karanji), and Isha Foundation
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Return: 7:00 PM
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Fare: ₹600 (incl. GST & toll)
Additional Tour Schedules:
Schedules under the “Ghati Isha Foundation” initiative. Schedule Isha-1A will start from Banashankari TTMC at 11:00 AM and include visits to five significant temples, including the Isha Foundation, providing passengers a spiritually enriching day-long journey. The total fare for this schedule is ₹700, with the return scheduled at 10:00 PM.
Meanwhile, Schedule Isha-1B will depart from the Central Silk Board at 11:00 AM, offering a direct tour to the Isha Foundation. The fare for this route is ₹750, and the return time is set for 10:10 PM. These packages are designed for weekend and public holiday travel, ensuring a convenient and comfortable pilgrimage experience with air-conditioned buses and well-curated itineraries.
₹1.5 Crore Insurance Compensation Distributed
In a deeply emotional moment, Minister Ramalinga Reddy handed over insurance compensation cheques to the dependents of BMTC employees who passed away due to accidents or natural causes. This was part of the Group Insurance Scheme launched on 19.02.2024.
“BMTC stands firmly with its staff and their families during their most difficult times. These compensations are not just monetary but a symbol of respect.”
said the Minister during the cheque distribution.
Notable Beneficiaries (Accidental Death Cases):
| Employee | Relation | Total Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Srinivasa T.G. (Driver-Conductor) | Wife Kavitha | ₹1.5 Crore |
| Shashidhar (Conductor) | Wife Lakshmi | ₹1.5 Crore |
| V. Balakrishna (Driver) | Mother & Wife | ₹1 Crore |
Other Beneficiaries (Natural Causes – ₹10 lakh each):
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Nagaveni K.S (Depot-48)
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Chandrashekhar K.S (Depot-26)
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Mahanteshappa R (Depot-34)
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Nisar Pasha (Depot-39)
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Amjad Pasha (Depot-10)
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Manju G (Depot-48)
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Venkataswamy Y (Depot-25)
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Nagaraj V (Depot-25)
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Lokesh R (Depot-26)
Green Push: 1,425 E-Buses in Operation, 354 More Coming
With growing concerns over pollution and sustainability, BMTC continues to lead with eco-friendly initiatives:
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1,425 electric buses currently operational
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206 AC and 148 non-AC electric buses to be added soon
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Fleet strength: 6,897 buses
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Daily coverage: 62,840 trips, 12.28 lakh km
Digital Boost: 50% Revenue via UPI in May 2025
BMTC's digital ticketing revolution reached a milestone, with 50% of May’s ticket revenue collected through UPI payments. In appreciation, commendation letters were issued to top-performing depot managers for pushing UPI transactions:
Top Performers Include:
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Saraswati R (Depot-51, East Zone)
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Madhusudhan Reddy G.R (Depot-10)
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Mohammed Akmal Pasha (Depot-03)
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Ramesh B.Y (Depot-29), and several others
Event Dignitaries
The event was graced by:
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Ramachandran R., Managing Director, BMTC
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Akram Pasha, B.A.S., MD, Kararasanigam
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Abdul Ahad, B.A.P.S., Director (B&J)
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Shilpa M., B.A.S., Director (M.T.M)
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K. Kali, Deputy General Manager, Canara Bank
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Officials and staff of BMTC
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