preBMTC expands eco-friendly fleet with electric buses to reduce pollution

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is expanding its fleet with eco-friendly electric buses to provide better public transportation while addressing environmental concerns. Currently, BMTC operates 5,725 schedules across 59,709 routes, covering 11.73 lakh kilometers daily and serves over 40 lakh passengers. In its push to reduce air pollution, the corporation is introducing electric buses under various schemes supported by both the Central and state governments on a Gross Cost Contract (GCC) basis. Under the Bengaluru Smart City scheme, 90 nonair- conditioned 9-metre electric buses are already operating as metro feeder services. Additionally, under the FAME-II scheme, BMTC has deployed 300 non-air-conditioned 12-meter electric buses within the city. To further bolster its green initiative, another 637 non-air-conditioned 12-metre electric buses have been introduced, with 287 more expected by the end of November.

In total, 1,027 electric buses are currently in operation across Bengaluru. BMTC plans to add 760 more electric buses to its fleet in the near future, including 320 air-conditioned and 148 non-air-conditioned buses. These will be funded through the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24 scheme, backed by DULT funds. By running 1,000 electric buses, BMTC saves around 51,000 litres of diesel per day, which prevents the release of 1.38 lakh kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO?) into the atmosphere daily. These buses also help reduce harmful emissions such as Sulphur oxide (SOx), Nitrogen monoxide (NOx), and particulate matter (PM), thus contributing to a cleaner environment.