BMTC EV prototype bus gets going

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) on Friday flagged off the prototype of a Tata Motor bus, which handed over the first non-AC electric bus, promoting a green boost to Bengaluru's public transport.

This development marks a major milestone in the contract signed under the Fame II project, which involves the supply of 921 electric buses at the end of this financial year. Currently, the BMTC has a fleet of 390 electric buses.

These buses will run on a gross cost contract (GCC) and are expected to charge rupees 41 per km. With the launch of the Shakti Yojana, the state has witnessed a surge in the number of people choosing public transport, resulting in approximately 40 lakh daily commuters traveling in BMTC buses.

As per the agreement, TML Smart City Mobility Solutions is entrusted with the task of supplying and maintaining all 921 buses for BMTC over 12 years.

The first bus marks the commencement of a trial run, followed by the gradual provision of more electric buses to bolster public transport services in Bengaluru. It will ply on route 96A, the circular route that starts and ends at Kempegowda Bus Stand, from where it proceeds through Rajajinagar.

Speaking after flagging off the bus, transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the government plans to buy 1,500 such buses for BMTC and added it will eventually have 4,000 electric buses in its fleet.

“We have set aside Rs 500 crore for the Road Transport Corporation to buy new buses this year and gave a nod to recruit 13,000 drivers, conductors and mechanics”, he added.

However, the entire fleet of 921 buses will be delivered in a phased manner, ensuring a smooth integration of ecofriendly vehicles into the city's transport system.

At present, the BMTC operates two models of electric buses, the purple buses by Switch Mobility Limited and the green buses by JBM Auto.

It is expected that the addition of Tata Motors' non-AC electric buses will further contribute to reducing the city's carbon footprint and promote sustainable mobility solutions.