What are the benefits of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation inducting 300 electric buses?

Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is set to introduce 300 electric buses (225 non-AC and 75 AC) through a lease model. This initiative aims to enhance eco-friendly transportation options in the state.

According to KSRTC officials, these buses will be incorporated under a Gross Cost Contract for a span of 12 years, with tenders already invited. The fleet will consist of 205 non-AC intercity buses (12-meter, 2×3 seating), 75 AC deluxe intercity buses (12-meter, 2×2 reclining seats), and 20 non-AC city buses (12-meter, 2×2 seating).

These buses will operate on routes connecting Bengaluru to Tumakuru, Kolar, and Chikkaballapur. Specifically, 50 buses will serve the Tumakuru division, 45 for Kolar, 45 for Mangaluru, 40 for Chikkaballapur, 40 for Puttur, 30 for Mysuru Rural, 20 for Mysuru Urban, and 20 for Ramanagara.

The Karnataka government has signed a Rs 1,040 crore MoU with DN Solutions and EMNI in South Korea to support this project. Under the lease model, KSRTC will provide conductors, while the private firm will handle drivers, operations, maintenance, and charging infrastructure. Payment will be made on a per-kilometer basis.

The selected firm is required to operate each bus for 250 km daily, with a single charge covering 180 km. These buses will be equipped with advanced features like CCTVs, panic buttons, and dash cameras for enhanced safety.

In January 2023, KSRTC introduced intercity AC e-buses under the ‘EV Power Plus’ segment. All 50 e-buses, supported by the Centre’s FAME-II subsidy, are operational on routes from Bengaluru to Mysuru, Madikeri, Virajpet, Davanagere, Shivamogga, and Chikkamagaluru.

Additionally, KSRTC has invited tenders to supply 70 BS-VI diesel non-AC sleeper coaches and 30 seater-cum-sleeper coaches.