Karnataka Orders Performance Audit of Electric Bus Fleet After Accidents
Karnataka Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh has ordered a comprehensive study of the electric buses operating in Bengaluru, following a recent accident involving a BMTC electric bus at K.R. Circle. The minister announced the review after visiting injured passengers at a hospital on Saturday.
The study will evaluate both the financial implications and operational efficiency of the electric bus fleet. Minister Suresh stated that the rising number of accidents involving electric buses was a key reason for the detailed investigation. Officials have been instructed to examine performance, operational issues, and overall functioning of the fleet and submit a report to the government.
“A decision on inducting additional electric buses into the BMTC fleet will be taken only after the government reviews the findings of the study and assesses the condition and performance of the existing electric bus fleet,” Mr. Suresh said.
The electric buses were introduced under a contract model with financial assistance from the Union government. Under the agreement, the Karnataka government pays the supplier over ₹3 lakh per electric bus every month, translating to more than ₹36 lakh annually for each vehicle. The minister noted that these costs would be examined as part of the study.
Meanwhile, the state government has announced it will bear the entire medical expenses of passengers injured in the accident. The minister did not provide a timeline for the submission of the study report.
