Karnataka Minister Goes Undercover on BMTC Buses, Orders Suspension of Staff Found Derelict
In a surprise late-night inspection on Saturday, Karnataka Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh travelled incognito on more than 10 Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses to assess the quality of public transport services firsthand. The minister, wearing a face mask to conceal his identity, conducted the inspection between 7.10 p.m. and 9.10 p.m., covering routes across the city.
During the inspection, Mr. Suresh found a conductor and a driver allegedly derelict in their duties and recommended their suspension. A BMTC source confirmed that an enquiry has been ordered against the staff and immediate action initiated.
In one incident, the minister boarded a bus from Hebbal towards Nagashettihalli and asked the conductor to issue two tickets after handing over a ₹100 note. The conductor showed his bag, claiming he did not have change, and asked the passenger to alight if exact change was unavailable.
In another instance, a BMTC bus bearing registration number KA-57 F-3372 failed to stop at the Fun World bus stop despite a waiting passenger signalling the driver. Travelling in the bus behind, the minister witnessed the incident and directed officials to suspend driver Mustaq and conductor Dayanand for failing to halt at the designated stop.
The two-hour inspection saw the minister travel across multiple routes including Jayamahal, TV Tower, R.T. Nagar, Ballari Road, Hebbal, Bhupasandra, Manyata Tech Park, Nagawara, Hennur, Hennur Bande, Byrathi Bande, and Geddalahalli. He also took an autorickshaw from Ballari Road to Hebbal as part of the assessment.
The minister's unannounced visit is part of ongoing efforts to improve public transport services in Bengaluru. The BMTC has been directed to take strict action against staff found negligent.
