Bengaluru's green mobility mission gets a major boost with the addition of 148 non-AC e-buses, new express routes for suburban travel, and temple tour services for weekend pilgrims
Bengaluru: Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Thursday flagged off 148 new non-air-conditioned electric buses under the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation’s (BMTC) growing electric fleet. The rollout is part of the state’s broader vision to combat vehicular pollution, reduce fuel dependency, and ensure commuter-friendly public transport.
With this addition, BMTC now operates a total of 1,436 electric buses across Bengaluru, marking a significant achievement in India’s electric mobility journey. The newly inducted 12-metre low-floor electric buses were procured from M/S TML Smart City Mobility Solutions Ltd. and are deployed under a Gross Cost Contract model for 12 years, with each bus operating at ₹41.01 per kilometre, inclusive of electricity charges.
"Our goal is to provide sustainable, accessible, and affordable transport to every citizen of Bengaluru. Electric buses are not just a technological upgrade, but a commitment to future generations," said Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy during the inauguration ceremony.
To support the initiative financially, each bus has received ₹39.08 lakh in assistance under the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) and the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
Cutting-Edge Features for Safety and Comfort
These non-AC electric buses offer a 200 km range per charge, and are equipped with:
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Wheelchair accessibility
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Automated voice announcements
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10 panic buttons per bus for women’s safety
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Fire detection and suppression systems
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CCTV surveillance
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Regenerative braking systems
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Vehicle tracking and real-time monitoring
The buses will be operated from the Jayanagar Depot, with key charging stations at Kempegowda Bus Station, KR Market, Shivajinagar, Bannerghatta TTMC, BTM Layout, Hebbal, and Mallasandra.
Bengaluru’s E-Bus Fleet to Touch 1,779 by Year-End
BMTC is also gearing up to introduce 195 new air-conditioned electric buses from Ohm Global Mobility Ltd., expected to join the fleet in the coming months. With this, the total number of electric buses will reach 1,779 by the end of 2025.
Furthermore, under the PM E-Bus Seva (PM E-Drive Scheme), Bengaluru is set to receive 400 more AC and 4,100 non-AC electric buses, marking one of the largest e-bus expansions in any Indian metro.
Express Services Under ‘Vegadootha Express’ Banner
In a parallel effort to improve intercity and suburban connectivity, BMTC launched 67 new express services, making a total of 492 daily trips under the ‘Vegadootha Express’ brand.
The new express routes include connections between:
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Kempegowda Bus Stand ↔ Bidadi, Anekal, Doddaballapura, Dabasapete
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Tin Factory ↔ Hosakote
Both AC and non-AC buses are available on these routes, with ticket fares ranging from ₹36 to ₹75, inclusive of toll charges.
“These express services will drastically cut travel time for office-goers, students, and daily commuters while ensuring comfort and reliability,” said a senior BMTC official.
Launch of Devotional Weekend Tour Packages: ‘Divya Darshana-5’ and ‘Divya Darshana-6’
BMTC has introduced two special devotional tour packages to cater to weekend travelers and pilgrims. Named ‘Divya Darshana-5’ and ‘Divya Darshana-6’, these AC bus services will operate on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, connecting prominent temples around Bengaluru.
Divya Darshana-5:
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Departure: 9:00 AM from Central Silk Board
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Route: Nageshwara Temple (Beguru), Madduramma Temple (Huskuru), Muthanalluru, Muthathi Anjaneya, Bangaru Tirupathi, Kaiwara, Chikka Tirupathi, Kotilingeshwara Temple, and back by 7:30 PM
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Fare: ₹500 (Adults), ₹375 (Children)
Divya Darshana-6:
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Departure: 9:00 AM from Kempegowda Bus Station
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Route: Temples in Malleshwaram, Vidyaranyapura, Avathi, Devanahalli, returning by 6:00 PM
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Fare: ₹550 per person (inclusive of GST and tolls)
"The devotional packages are designed to promote spiritual tourism and offer families a comfortable way to explore heritage sites," the Minister stated.
A Vision for a Cleaner, Safer, and Inclusive Bengaluru
With the dual push for green transport and enhanced connectivity, BMTC is setting new benchmarks in public service delivery. The combination of electric mobility, smart technology, and citizen-centric planning reflects Karnataka’s strong commitment to sustainable urban development.
“This is a new chapter for Bengaluru’s transport landscape – one that aligns with global climate goals and ensures dignity in daily travel for every citizen,” concluded Ramalinga Reddy.
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