Most of the Airport Volvo buses will soon be replaced by electric AC buses, according to the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). Using the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model, the company plans to introduce 320 low-floor AC electric buses, each measuring 12 metres, at an estimated cost of ₹150 crore. The BMTC recently requested proposals to choose a service provider to handle the purchase, upkeep, and operation of "320 low floor, 400mm floor height city type AC electric buses on GCC model under the scheme for special assistance to states for capital investment 2023-24," according to a senior BMTC official.
Next month, 180 Tata Motors non-AC electric buses are scheduled to arrive at BMTC. The company has reported an increase in daily traffic since the Shakti programme, which provides free bus transportation for women on non-premium State-run buses, was put into place. Before this, the BMTC had ordered 921 electric buses to be leased via the FAME-2 programme. Tata Motors had taken the order in August 2022. Tata Motors has been awarded the contract by Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) to deliver, operate, and repair the 12-meter electric buses for 12 years.
A prototype of the new electric buses was delivered to the BMTC in July. They are now operating on route 96-A, a circular route that passes through Rajajinagar and terminates at Kempegowda Bus Stand.Officials said that the new buses would start running in two months from the Shantinagar and K.R. Puram depots. After all 921 vehicles arrive, they will be stationed at the depots at Jayanagar, Hennur, Deepanajlinagar, R.R. Nagar, Peenya 2nd Stage, Jigani, Seegehalli, and Hosakote.
At present, BMTC has a fleet of 390 electric buses, consisting of 300 Switch Mobility 12-meter buses and 90 NTPC-JBM Auto JV 9-meter midi-buses.
