Karnataka cabinet clears proposal for 4,000 electric buses in state fleet

The Karnataka Cabinet has approved a large-scale electric bus initiative that will see the addition of 4,000 electric buses to the fleets of the state’s transport corporations. The programme will be financed through a low-interest ₹3,000-crore loan facilitated by the World Bank, aimed at modernising public transport and reducing emissions.

Also read: BMTC launches trial runs of AC electric buses, full fleet expected by 2025

The move benefits key state-run transport corporations including Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC). The proposal was formalised through the Department of Economic Affairs portal in coordination with the World Bank, and forms part of a broader strategy to address urban pollution and improve commuter experience with cleaner transit options.

BMTC, which pioneered electric bus operations in India with a pilot fleet in 2017 under the FAME-I scheme, currently runs over 1,000 electric buses in Bengaluru. Of these, 637 twelve-metre buses were manufactured by Tata Motors, 300 by Switch Mobility, and 90 nine-metre units by JBM Group—all operated under the Gross Cost Contract model, where manufacturers handle operations and maintenance.

KSRTC also maintains a growing fleet, with around 350 electric buses currently in service. This includes 50 buses added in 2023 for Bengaluru-Mysuru routes under the FAME-II scheme. The corporation aims to induct an additional 300 electric buses by mid-2025, further reinforcing the state’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility.