BMTC to induct 287 electric buses

Currently, there are 1,027 electric buses in operation across the city

The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is set to introduce 287 more electric buses to its fleet. Under the Bengaluru Smart City scheme, 90 non-air-conditioned 9-metre electric buses are already operating as metro feeder services, while 300 non-air-conditioned 12-metre electric buses have been deployed under the FAME-II scheme.

Additionally, 637 non-air-conditioned 12-metre electric buses have been introduced, with another 287 scheduled to join by the end of November. Currently, there are 1,027 electric buses in operation across the city, and an additional 760 electric buses, including 320 air-conditioned and 148 non-air-conditioned 12-metre buses, will soon be added through funding from the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24 scheme. BMTC currently operates 5,725 schedules across 59,709 routes, covering 11.73 lakh kilometres daily, and serving over 40 lakh passengers.

A BMTC official said, “BMTC is rolling out electric buses under various schemes supported by the central and state governments through a Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model. This move is part of the corporation’s broader strategy to phase out diesel buses and introduce more environmentally friendly alternatives.”

BMTC officials claim that the introduction of electric buses offers several key benefits. “One of the primary advantages is a positive environmental impact, as the shift from diesel to electric significantly reduces carbon emissions and helps mitigate climate change,” said an official.

BMTC estimates that its fleet of 1,000 electric buses saves around 51,000 litres of diesel each day, preventing the release of 1.38 lakh kilograms of carbon dioxide, which makes a substantial contribution to environmental conservation. Additionally, electric buses produce zero emissions, eliminating pollutants such as sulfur oxide (SOx), nitrogen monoxide (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), and particulate matter (PM), which helps combat global warming and improve air quality.

“Electric buses operate much more quietly than traditional diesel vehicles. This noise reduction is especially important in urban areas, where excessive noise pollution can lead to health problems such as sleep disturbances and increased stress. More or less, BMTC’s electric buses contribute to improved public health in overall,” added an official.