- By Shibra Siddiqui
- Fri, 18 Apr 2025 03:39 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is set to replace its iconic Vayu Vajra airport buses with electric air-conditioned (AC) buses. As part of its push towards greener and cost-effective public transport, the authorities plan to phase out the ageing diesel-powered Volvo fleet serving passengers traveling to the airport.
The new electric buses are expected to begin service in early May, offering passengers a more environmentally friendly and economical option for traveling to and from Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). To support the electric fleet, BMTC is setting up a charging facility inside the airport premises, approximately 1 kilometer from Terminal 2. This facility can accommodate up to three buses at a time, allowing for short-interval charging that takes around 45 minutes.
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BMTC has already received 58 AC e-buses from Ohm Mobility Private Limited, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, as part of a 320-vehicle order. A formal induction ceremony is planned as more buses join the fleet in the coming weeks. The electric buses are considered cost-effective, with operating costs significantly lower than the diesel buses. For instance, the Vayu Vajra diesel buses cost ₹84 per kilometer to operate, while generating only ₹72.33 per kilometer in revenue.
As per the lease agreement, each electric bus is expected to clock 225 kilometers a day for at least 350 days a year over a 12-year period. A full charge enables each bus to run up to 200 kilometers, while opportunity charging allows them to extend service through the day. BMTC Chief Traffic Manager (Operations), G T Prabhakara Reddy, confirmed that the AC e-buses would start running on the airport route within a month, eventually replacing the Volvo fleet.
Additionally, delays in driver onboarding by the manufacturer have slowed the deployment process.