Bengaluru: Bengaluru is accelerating its journey toward sustainable urban mobility with the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) unveiling 148 new electric buses, boosting its eco-friendly fleet to 1,436. Flagged off on July 11, 2025, by Karnataka’s Transport and Muzrai Minister, these zero-emission buses mark a significant stride in reducing the city’s carbon footprint and phasing out diesel dependency.
A Greener Fleet for a Cleaner City
The new 12-metre, non-air-conditioned e-buses, supplied by Tata Motors’ TML Smart City Mobility Solutions Ltd., are designed for efficiency and passenger comfort. Operating under a 12-year Gross Cost Contract (GCC) at Rs. 41.01 per km per bus, the initiative is backed by Rs. 39.08 lakh per bus from the Directorate of Urban & Land Transport (DULT) and the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
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Key Features of the E-Buses
Zero Emissions: Each bus offers a 200 km range per charge, ensuring reliable service with minimal environmental impact.
Accessibility: A 400 mm floor height, kneeling mechanism, and ramps, plus space for one wheelchair, make boarding seamless for all.
Safety First: Equipped with 10 panic buttons for women’s safety, fire detection systems, regenerative braking, and vehicle tracking.
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Charging Infrastructure: New stations at key terminals like Shivajinagar, KR Market, and Hebbal ensure operational efficiency.
BMTC isn’t stopping here. By year-end, 195 air-conditioned e-buses from Ohm Global Mobility Ltd. will join the fleet, raising the total to 1,779. Under the PM e-drive scheme, BMTC plans to introduce 4,500 additional e-buses in the coming years, reinforcing Bengaluru’s role as a pioneer in sustainable public transportation.
Express Services to Ease Intercity Travel
To meet the growing demand for faster, more reliable connectivity, BMTC introduced 67 new express services, operating 492 trips daily. These include 44 non-AC and 23 AC schedules connecting high-traffic routes like Kempegowda Bus Stand to Bidadi, Anekal, Doddaballapura, Dabasapete, and Hosakote. With fares ranging from Rs. 36 to Rs. 75, these services promise shorter travel times and greater affordability, catering to Bengaluru’s bustling workforce and commuters.
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Divya Darshana’ Temple Tours for Spiritual Seekers
Adding a cultural touch to its offerings, BMTC launched two air-conditioned temple tour packages, Divya Darshana-5 and Divya Darshana-6, exclusively for weekends and public holidays. Priced between ₹500 and ₹550 per adult (with discounts for children), these tours cover revered sites like Sri Nageshwara Temple in Begur, Chik Tirupati, Sri Kalika Durgaparameshwari in Vidyaranyapura, and Jain temples in Guddatti and Devanahalli. The initiative is a nod to Bengaluru’s spiritual heritage, offering residents and visitors a convenient way to explore sacred destinations.
Driving Bengaluru Toward a Sustainable Future
With these additions, BMTC is not just expanding its fleet but redefining public transport in Bengaluru. The combination of cutting-edge e-buses, efficient express routes, and unique temple tours reflects a commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and cultural connectivity. As the city gears up for a greener, more inclusive transit system, BMTC’s latest initiatives are a bold step toward a cleaner, more connected Bengaluru.
