BMTC imposes heavy penalties on EV bus operators for repeated violations

BMTC cracks down on electric bus operators after frequent rule breaches, poor maintenance, and rising accidents lead to penalties crossing ₹25 crore in two years.

The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has intensified its enforcement measures against electric bus operators after continued violations despite repeated warnings. According to official data, penalties have crossed ₹25 crore in the last two years, triggered by rising accidents, traffic rule breaches, and poor maintenance of EV fleets.

Currently, four private companies operate around 1,500 electric buses for BMTC under various service agreements. However, the corporation reports that several operators have failed to maintain safety standards, leading to frequent complaints about mechanical issues, battery problems, and non-compliance with operational rules.

Violations leading to penalties

BMTC’s records show that operators were fined for a range of repeated lapses. Common problems include drivers using mobile phones while driving, improper handling of buses, frequent battery failures, and poor maintenance routines. These issues, combined with an increasing number of accident cases, prompted BMTC to tighten its scrutiny.

Reports indicate that despite earlier warnings, violations persisted, pushing the transport corporation to levy heavier fines to ensure accountability.

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Penalty details for each company

NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (90 buses)
•    2023-24: ₹91 lakh
•    2024-25: ₹6.38 crore
•    Up to September 2025: ₹2.51 crore
Total: ₹9 crore

Switch Mobility (300 buses)
•    2023-24: ₹76 lakh
•    2024-25: ₹1.63 crore
•    Up to September 2025: ₹65 lakh
Total: ₹3.05 crore

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TML Smart City Mobility (1,031 buses)
•    2023-24: ₹45.96 lakh
•    2024-25: ₹8.24 crore
•    Up to September 2025: ₹3.28 crore
Total: ₹11.90 crore

OHM Mobile Globality (251 buses)
•    2024-25: ₹7.65 lakh
•    Up to September 2025: ₹59.60 lakh
Total: ₹67.25 lakh

Push for safer and more reliable EV Services

With BMTC aiming to expand its electric bus fleet in the coming years, officials are now focusing on stricter compliance to improve service reliability. The penalties are expected to act as a corrective measure to ensure operators adhere to safety standards and maintenance obligations.
As the city increasingly relies on sustainable public transport, BMTC’s latest move signals a strong push to keep EV operations efficient, safe, and accountable.