Good News, Bengaluru Airport To Get Upgraded AC E-Bus Connectivity; BMTC To Launch Services After June

In a recent turn of events, BMTC (Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation) is all set to launch AC e-bus services to Bengaluru Airport after June 15. This new fleet will be eco-friendly and will offer a smoother ride. The buses would be operational on the route to the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). 

BMTC Introduces AC E-Buses 

 

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Bengaluru is all set to get a new fleet of air-conditioned electric buses under BMTC. These buses will begin services to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) after June 15. Currently, 114 AC e-buses are running from Banashankari to Majestic, Silk Board, and from Hoskote to Attibele, as per a report published in Deccan Herald. GT Prabhakar Reddy, Chief Traffic Manager of Operations at BMTC, confirmed that the corporation plans to deploy 83 AC e-buses on the Vayu Vajra route in phases. He mentioned that only 8-10 buses will start operating initially, and the number will gradually increase as the infrastructure to charge the e-vehicles gets developed. 

Also Read: Delhi Govt To Introduce Electric Bus Service For Upcoming Noida Airport Travellers

New Electric Buses To Replace Volvo Buses

BMTC also plans to lease AC e-buses from OHM Global Mobility, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland. So far, the corporation has received 114 e-buses. Prabhakar Reddy stated that the 83 new buses will primarily serve routes from Majestic and Banashankari to the airport. Earlier, the plan to operate AC e-buses to the airport was slowed down due to delays in setting up charging ports and infrastructure at the airport. The charging station is around 1 km from KIA Terminal 2 and now has six chargers. According to Deccan Herald, it usually takes 45 minutes to an hour to fully charge one bus. But at this facility, buses will be recharged in short intervals throughout the day.

These modern AC e-buses are expected to replace BMTC’s old fleet of Volvo buses that lack updated technology. The corporation currently operates 434 Volvo buses, including 150 on the airport route. Furthermore, the drivers for the new buses will be hired and trained by the manufacturers themselves.

Also Read: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Adds 401 New Buses Under “DEVI” To Strengthen Public Transport

This new fleet could change the way Bengaluru travels, especially to and from the airport. Many residents have often complained about the poor condition of older buses. This shift to electric might just change that. Tell us, what do you think of this new development? 

Cover Image Courtesy: @bmtc_bangalore/ Instagram