BMTC to introduce air-conditioned electric buses

Ashok Leyland clinched contract to provide 320 AC electric buses

AC e-buses to be operated under a Gross Cost Contract model

Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is embarking on a significant transformation in its fleet with the introduction of air-conditioned electric buses, marking a pioneering move for the organization. OHM Global Mobility, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, has clinched the contract to provide 320 AC electric buses to BMTC.

The issuance of the Letter of Award (LOA) to OHM Global Mobility signifies a major milestone for BMTC, currently running non-AC electric buses, according to reports.

Per the agreement, OHM will operate the AC e-buses under a Gross Cost Contract (lease model), with BMTC paying Rs 65.80 per kilometer. The prototype bus is anticipated to arrive in Bengaluru within two to three months, with the entire fleet slated for delivery by March 2025.

Also read: Over 3 lakh people use BMTC electric buses every day in Bengaluru

OHM’s responsibilities encompass not only supplying the buses but also deploying drivers, managing bus operations and maintenance, and establishing essential charging infrastructure. However, BMTC will retain conductors on its payroll.

The tender process for these buses encountered challenges, with the initial attempts failing to attract bidders. Ultimately, OHM emerged victorious in the third tender after the second one received only one bid.

BMTC, currently operating 593 Volvo buses, grapples with escalating operational costs. The transition to electric buses aims not only to address environmental concerns but also to curb operating expenses.