In 2014, Bangalore became the first Indian city to announce electric buses. It was celebratory news for a city struggling with traffic and increasing levels of air pollution. However, six years on, not a single electric bus has been spotted on the streets. The chief agency involved, BMTC, and the Transport Ministry of Karnataka remain undecided on whether they want to lease these bus or buy them. Meanwhile, toxic fumes-spewing diesel buses continue to operate in the city. Multiple studies and news reports have established how harmful the pollutants from diesel emissions are — causing respiratory disorders like asthma, heart disease, and even cancer.
Here’s a timeline of BMTC’s electric bus promises..
Feburary 2014
India’s first electric bus pilot launched in Bangalore
March 2016
Indian Institute of Science submits recommendations on electric buses to BMTC. The study suggests that electric buses are both economically and environmentally better than diesel buses.
October 2016
BMTC approves the proposal to buy 150 electric buses in Bangalore.
December 2017
BMTC decides to lease electric buses instead of buying them citing high procurement costs.
January 2018
BMTC in a fix because the Centre has reportedly approved subsidy for only 40 buses.
July 2018
Karnataka Government announces a 100-crore subsidy to launch 80 electric buses.
October 2018
Transport Minister DC Thammanna and BMTC MD involved in a tussle over corruption charges levelled by the former on decision of buying v/s leasing buses.
December 2018
BMTC MD V Ponnuraj gets transferred after being shunted by DC Thammanna over the issue of buying v/s leasing electric buses.
January 2019
While the previous Siddaramaiah-led govt had cleared a proposal to lease 1,500 buses, officials have sought the government’s help in purchasing the 1,200 buses as per the directions of the Transport Minister, D C Thammanna.
February 2019
More than 3000 Jhatkaa.org members urge the BMTC to induct electric buses in Bangalore and take a decision immediately on buying or leasing.
March 2019
BMTC lose 80-crore worth subsidies after they failed to induct electric buses under FAME- 1 scheme
BMTC’s chief mechanical engineer suspended after he allegedly refused to succumb to pressure from higher-ups in the matters of purchasing electric buses, instead of taking them on lease.
June 2019
BMTC issues Expression of Interest to buy electric buses
July 2019
D C Thammanna wants BMTC to buy buses instead of leasing them
August 2019
D C Thammanna reconsiders the decision of buying electric buses and suggests leasing.
October 2019
KSRTC floats tender for procurement of 400 electric buses on lease,Bengaluru to get 300
November 2019
Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, announced that electric buses will be leased in a phased manner, BMTC says it cannot afford to procure the buses.
March 2020
BMTC announces 30-day pilot
June 2020
In an RTI filed by Jhatkaa.org, BMTC says they never conducted a pilot for electric buses.
October 2020
BMTC announces launch of second pilot for electric buses.
CITU opposes BMTC’s move to lease electric buses.
