Karnataka Announces ₹2,000 Crore Electric Bus Programme, Plans Induction of 4,000 E-Buses

The Government of Karnataka has announced a major push towards electrifying public transport through the Karnataka Electric Bus Programme (KEBP).

The initiative, unveiled in the 2026–27 State Budget, aims to expand electric bus operations across state-run transport corporations while strengthening depot infrastructure and supporting the broader transition to cleaner public mobility.

Electric Bus Programme and Depot Development

Under the programme, the state will induct 4,000 electric buses while upgrading 94 depots to support electric fleet operations.

The project is expected to strengthen the transition of state-run transport corporations toward electric mobility and improve operational infrastructure for large-scale deployment of zero-emission buses

The budget also noted that 2,000 diesel buses are currently being procured through direct purchase as announced in the 2025–26 Budget, and another 1,000 diesel buses will be added during 2026–27.

Including these additions, 6,596 buses have been inducted into the state transport corporations over the past three years.

Shakti Scheme Allocation

The government confirmed the continuation of the Shakti Scheme, which provides free bus travel for women in state-run buses.

According to the budget statement, women passengers have completed 684 crore trips under the scheme so far.

For the 2026–27 financial year, the state has allocated ₹5,300 crore for the continued implementation of the scheme.

Road Safety Technology Initiative

To improve road safety, the government announced the development of a modern accident monitoring software system with a digital dashboard to identify and manage accident-prone locations across the state, including Bengaluru.

The system will be developed at a cost of ₹5 crore in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and the National Informatics Centre.

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Employee Arrears and Salary Revision

The government also addressed pending salary arrears for employees of state road transport corporations.

An amount of ₹1,271 crore has been allocated to pay arrears for the period January 1, 2021, to February 28, 2023, while salary revisions will take effect from April 1, 2025.

Transport Sector Revenue Growth

Revenue collections from the transport sector have reached ₹11,630 crore up to February 2026, reflecting an 8.5% year-on-year increase.

The government has set a motor vehicle revenue target of ₹15,500 crore for 2026–27.

The budget also highlighted a recovery in vehicle sales across the state, with two-wheeler sales increasing by 13% and car sales rising by 4% up to January compared with the same period last year.