Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) released a comprehensive operational plan after the Centre finalized bids for the PM E‑Drive scheme. The roadmap outlines how the city will induct 4,500 electric buses and set up the necessary infrastructure.
Minutes from a July 31 meeting show that BMTC has earmarked 31 sites for depot conversion, upgrade or new construction. The plan covers 12 existing diesel depots that will be turned into electric bus depots, two facilities that will be upgraded, 12 new depots built on land already owned by the corporation, and five sites where the state will provide land.
The depots slated for conversion include Gunjur, Kengeri, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Yesvantpur, MS Palya, Jambusavari, Hoskote, Byrathi, Dasanapura, Electronics City and Hebbal. BMTC also plans to convert its hybrid bus depot at Katriguppe into a full electric depot.
New depots are proposed at Siddapura, Kaval Hosahalli, Arehalli, Shivakote, Chikkabettahalli, Bukkasagara, Jadigenahalli and Bettahalli. At Pillaganahalli, officials recommend a joint survey before the depot is operationalized.
For five additional locations—Suryanagar 3rd Phase, Vijayapura, Doddaballapur, Jadigenahalli‑2, and BMTC’s own site—state government land is being sought to build new electric bus depots. The pace of deployment will depend on land availability, charging infrastructure and depot readiness.
BMTC’s proposal is now with the finance department, which is evaluating the financial implications of the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model. The Karnataka cabinet will make the final decision, and the proposal is expected to be presented soon.
Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh has raised concerns about the cost of the GCC model. While the Centre offers a subsidy of about Rs 30–35 lakh per bus, Karnataka would need to spend roughly Rs 2,850–3,000 crore annually on operator payments over an eight‑year contract.
Under the PM E‑Drive scheme, Bengaluru is entitled to a central subsidy of Rs 1,505 crore for 4,500 buses. The fleet will include 3,500 non‑air‑conditioned 12‑metre buses, 300 air‑conditioned 12‑metre buses, 600 non‑air‑conditioned 9‑metre buses and 100 air‑conditioned 9‑metre buses.
Greencell Mobility won the lowest bid for the air‑conditioned buses, while Chartered Speed and PMI Electro Mobility secured the lowest bids for the non‑air‑conditioned categories. Under the GCC model, private operators purchase, own and maintain the buses, and BMTC pays them per kilometre.
BMTC currently operates 6,955 buses, including 1,768 electric units. A collision involving two electric buses on July 4 injured 18 people, prompting a review of the existing electric fleet’s performance. Experts estimate that Bengaluru needs nearly 14,000 buses to serve its growing population adequately.