BMTC Bus Accidents in Bengaluru: 80 Deaths Since 2024, 38 in 2025 So Far

BMTC buses linked to 80 deaths in Bengaluru since 2024, with 38 fatalities already in 2025. Poor roads and risky overtakes cited as key causes.

Bengaluru has witnessed a troubling rise in fatal accidents involving Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses. Traffic Police data reveals that at least 80 people have died in such incidents since 2024.

The year 2025 has already proved particularly deadly. Until August 24, 38 fatalities have been reported, including five this month alone. Two of these victims were children, highlighting the severity of the crisis.

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Breakdown of BMTC Accident Numbers

• 2024: 42 deaths, 155 injuries from BMTC-related accidents
• 2025 (till Aug 24): 38 deaths, 91 injuries across 124 cases

In comparison:

• KSRTC buses caused 20 deaths and 32 injuries during the same period
• Private buses were linked to 48 deaths and 203 injuries

A senior traffic police officer explained that due to their size, BMTC buses require at least 10 feet of buffer distance to stop, making them especially vulnerable in crowded city conditions.

Why Are BMTC Buses Involved in So Many Accidents?

Traffic officials and BMTC point to multiple factors:

• Risky overtaking by two-wheelers, often from the left side
• Poor road conditions that leave little room for error
• Sudden braking and skidding incidents, especially in congested areas

In Sunday’s tragic case near KR Market, an 11-year-old boy died after a scooter attempted to overtake a BMTC bus from the left, lost balance, and skidded. The child slipped under the rear wheels of the bus.

BMTC’s Response and Safety Measures

The corporation maintains that its drivers are not at fault in 60% of fatal cases. In fact, BMTC stated that four of the five recent accidents were due to passenger negligence or rider errors.

Still, BMTC has put strict accountability measures in place:

• Drivers suspended after their first fatal accident and lose two annual increments.
• Dismissal from service if involved in a second fatal accident.
• 20 drivers suspended in the past year due to fatal incidents.
• Daily safety briefings for drivers and conductors.

Public and Government Reactions

While some commuters argue that BMTC drivers stop buses recklessly in the middle of the road, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy defended them.

“There’s a false perception that BMTC drivers are rash. If you look at the data, 60% of the time drivers are not at fault. Our drivers are well-trained and appointed on merit,” he told Deccan Herald.

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The Road Ahead for Bengaluru’s Bus Safety

BMTC is simultaneously operating new FAME-II electric buses, with normal service restored after earlier technical disruptions. The corporation has pledged to continue investing in safety training, while traffic police urge two-wheeler riders to exercise caution around heavy vehicles.

With Bengaluru’s growing traffic chaos, a mix of better driver discipline, road upgrades, and safer rider behaviour will be critical to reducing the grim toll of BMTC-related accidents.