9000 New Electric Buses in Bengaluru: Key Highlights of Karnataka Budget 2025
In a major step towards enhancing sustainable urban mobility, the Karnataka government has allocated 9000 new electric buses in Bengaluru under various central and externally aided projects.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced this initiative as part of the state’s broader plan to introduce a total of 14,750 electric buses by 2025-26, aiming to reduce vehicular pollution and improve public transport across the state.
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Key Highlights of the Budget 2025
- 9,000 Electric Buses for BMTC: A significant portion of the 14,750 electric buses will be deployed in Bengaluru, focusing on greener transportation solutions.
- Central and Externally Funded Projects: The buses will be introduced through schemes like PM e-DRIVE and PM-eBus Sewa.
- Further Expansion Plans: In addition to electric buses, 1,000 new diesel buses will be inducted under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model to improve connectivity in areas yet to embrace electric mobility.
Infrastructure Development Initiatives
- New Satellite Bus Stand at K.R. Puram: Aiming to ease traffic congestion in eastern Bengaluru, the new bus stand will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
- Revamping Majestic Bus Stand: Bengaluru’s primary transit hub will be redeveloped into a modern transport center with commercial facilities as part of the Project Majestic scheme.
Karnataka’s Commitment to Sustainable Transport
The introduction of 9,000 electric buses to BMTC is a significant investment in reducing vehicular pollution, enhancing urban mobility, and improving public transportation. Additionally, the Shakthi scheme, which provides free bus travel for women, has seen tremendous success with over 226 crore trips in the previous year.
Key Allocations in Budget 2025
| Key Allocations | Amount |
|---|---|
| Allocation for Free Bus Travel Scheme (Shakthi) | ₹5,300 crore |
| Funding for Electric Bus Deployment | Part of 14,750 buses |
| Funding for Satellite Bus Stand at K.R. Puram | PPP Model |
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These measures underscore the government’s focus on making Bengaluru’s public transport system more sustainable and accessible. However, with the recent fare hikes by BMTC, there is growing demand for affordability in the transport system, which the government aims to address in the coming years.
