AC Buses Every 30 Minutes, 4,550 EVs On The Way: Big BMTC Update For Bengaluru Commuters | Bengaluru-news News

Last Updated:September 17, 2026, 12:53 IST

Bengaluru is set for a major public transport boost. Eight AC buses will connect the city to Kunigal, while 4,550 EV buses are also on the way

Bengaluru News: The expansion is expected to increase the availability of electric buses on Bengaluru’s busy routes and strengthen the city’s public transport network.

Bengaluru News: Commuters travelling between Bengaluru and Kunigal in Tumakuru district are set to get a new public transport option, with BMTC preparing to operate air-conditioned buses on the route. Transport Minister Bairati Suresh has given the green signal for the service, with eight BMTC AC Vajra Vistara buses set to operate between Bengaluru and Kunigal.

The buses will run at an interval of 30 minutes, expanding BMTC’s intercity connectivity beyond the city’s existing services.

More Electric Buses For Bengaluru

Speaking at the event, Transport Minister Bairati Suresh also announced that BMTC will soon get a major boost to its electric bus fleet. As many as 4,550 electric buses are being procured by the Central Government for BMTC and are expected to be available for public service within the next 4-5 months.

The expansion is expected to increase the availability of electric buses on Bengaluru’s busy routes and strengthen the city’s public transport network.

Government Highlights Shakti Scheme Benefits

The minister also highlighted the state government’s Shakti scheme, under which women are provided free bus travel in the four state-run transport corporations.

According to the minister, free travel has been provided to 26,473 lakh women under the scheme over the past 12 years, at a cost of around Rs 21,000 crore. The state government is spending approximately Rs 10,000 crore annually towards the scheme.

Alongside the Shakti scheme, free and discounted bus passes are also being provided to around 50 lakh students. The government is expected to spend Rs 350-400 crore annually on these passes, the minister said.

KSRTC Driver Saves Two Lives In Davangere

Meanwhile, a KSRTC bus driver was felicitated by the police after his timely action reportedly saved the lives of two people following an accident in Davangere city. The incident took place near Aruna Circle, where a bicycle and a bike collided on the road. During the accident, the two bikers fell in front of a moving KSRTC bus.

The driver, Kotresh Hiremath, immediately stopped the bus after noticing the riders on the road, preventing what could have been a more serious accident. CCTV footage captured the incident.

Police later felicitated Hiremath for his prompt response and credited his alertness and timely braking with helping save the two lives.

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What are the details of the new BMTC AC bus service between Bengaluru and Kunigal?

The BMTC is launching a new intercity service between Bengaluru and Kunigal in Tumakuru district using eight air-conditioned Vajra Vistara buses. Approved by Transport Minister Bairati Suresh, these buses will operate at 30-minute intervals to expand public transport options beyond the city limits.

How many electric buses is BMTC procuring and when will they be available?

The Central Government is procuring 4,550 electric buses for the BMTC under the PM e-Drive scheme. Transport Minister Bairati Suresh announced that these electric buses are expected to be available for public service within the next 4 to 5 months to strengthen Bengaluru’s public transport network.

What is the annual cost and coverage of Karnataka’s Shakti scheme for free bus travel?

The Karnataka state government spends approximately Rs 10,000 crore annually on the Shakti scheme, which provides free bus travel to women across four state-run transport corporations. Over the past 12 years, the scheme has benefited 26,473 lakh women at a total cost of around Rs 21,000 crore.

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