Relief for Bengaluru Commuters as BMTC to Add 1750 Electric Buses Under PM E Drive Scheme

Bengaluru: For months, daily travel in Bengaluru has meant packed buses and long waits at stops. Office goers, students and elderly passengers often complained that stepping into a BMTC bus itself felt like a struggle. Now, a major fleet expansion promises to change that routine.

In a significant boost to the city transport system, BMTC will receive 1750 new electric buses in the first phase under the central government PM E Drive scheme. Officials believe the addition will directly address the severe crowding that increased after the Shakti scheme encouraged more people to use public transport.

Currently, the corporation operates more than 6800 buses, but that number has not been enough to handle the surge in ridership. Many commuters said they frequently missed buses due to lack of space. With the new induction, authorities expect smoother operations and shorter waiting times across major routes.

The electric buses will include both AC and non AC models and will run on a contract basis. Drivers will be provided by the operating company, while conductors will be from BMTC. The corporation will pay a fixed per kilometre charge to the contractor, and the buses are expected to remain in service for up to 12 years.

The tender process is being handled through a central agency, which has already issued allocation orders to the selected manufacturer. The larger national plan aims to deploy thousands of electric buses across the country, with Bengaluru alone set to receive several thousand units in phases.

Passengers have welcomed the move. Regular commuters say the additional buses will make everyday travel less stressful and more reliable. For many in the city, the announcement feels like long awaited relief and a step toward cleaner and more efficient public transport.