BMTC to add 148 electric buses as Tata Motors gets new contract in Bengaluru

The latest order, which adds 148 buses, follows an earlier order of 921 electric buses, most of which are already operational with over 95% uptime, according to Tata Motors. | Photo Credit: MURALI KUMAR K

Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) will expand its fleet with 148 more electric buses under the GCC model as Tata Motors received a new order on December 19.

TML Smart City Mobility Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of Tata Motors, will supply, operate, and maintain Tata Starbus 12 meter low-floor electric buses for BMTC for a period of 12 years. The order, which adds 148 buses, follows an earlier order of 921 electric buses, most of which are already operational with over 95% uptime, according to Tata Motors.

Ramachandran R., Managing Director of BMTC, said, “The performance of existing Tata electric buses has been excellent, fully in line with our commitment to sustainable and efficient public transport.”

Under the agreement, BMTC will provide the conductors and pay Tata Motors R41 per kilometer, while Tata Motors will handle the dispatch of drivers and maintenance of the vehicles.