Bengaluru: Karnataka cabinet approves 4,500 e-buses for BMTC

BMTC has approval to induct 4,500 electric buses, which could take its total fleet close to 11,000 vehicles within 18 months.

The corporation already operates 1,700 e-buses under the gross cost contract model. With the new induction and the replacement of ageing buses, electric vehicles could account for more than half its fleet. BMTC retires about 500 to 600 old buses each year.

The order includes 3,500 non-air-conditioned 12-metre buses, 300 air-conditioned 12-metre buses, 600 non-air-conditioned nine-metre buses and 100 air-conditioned nine-metre buses. Private operators will supply and operate the buses, while BMTC will pay a per-kilometre charge and retain ticketing and conductor duties. The buses are planned to run 200 km a day.

The Centre will provide the buses under PM E-DRIVE. The Karnataka government plans to provide BMTC with Rs 600 crore a year in viability-gap funding. BMTC expects an annual operating shortfall of about Rs 1,000 crore for the expanded electric fleet, which it plans to meet from its own resources.

BMTC plans to use 30 to 35 depots to operate and maintain the new fleet and recruit more conductors. The first batch is expected about six months after contracts are signed, with the full fleet to be inducted over the following year.