Karnataka and Bengaluru lead in public transport with largest fleet of 26,054 buses in India

Karnataka is leading the nation in public transport, with a fleet of 26,054 buses, including 7,067 operating in Bengaluru alone. This robust network puts the state far ahead of other Indian regions, with an impressive ratio of 3.81 buses per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 1.2. Bengaluru has the highest number of city-run buses in India, surpassing cities like Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi.

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The state’s extensive fleet is managed across four major corporations: the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC). Bengaluru’s BMTC alone operates 7,067 buses, including 1,799 electric buses, serving around 48 lakh passengers daily, the highest ridership in India.

Karnataka commited to public mobility

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy emphasized Karnataka’s commitment to public mobility, rejecting suggestions to privatize BMTC. He dismissed calls from figures like Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya and former Infosys CFO T.V. Mohandas Pai, arguing that privatization would prioritize profits over public service.

The state’s success in public transport is further evident when compared to other states. Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh lag behind in both fleet size and service coverage. Reddy also highlighted past efforts to reduce traffic congestion in Bengaluru, noting that future solutions may rely on tunnel roads and flyovers due to challenges in road widening projects.