Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Wednesday said the absence of bus procurement between 2019 and 2023 has adversely affected the functioning of state-run transport companies.
In his reply in the Legislative Council, he said that not a single bus had been purchased in four years. “If buses are not procured continuously, it will impact the organization,” he said, attributing the current shortfalls to the gap.
He highlighted the halt in recruitment after 2016, adding that around 9,000 employees, including 1,300 on compassionate grounds, have been recruited since the current government came into office.
Mr. Reddy said over 6,000 buses have been procured in the last two years, with 2,000 added last year and another 1,000 sanctioned in the current budget. Of the total fleet of about 26,000 buses, nearly one-third have been added in the past two-and-a-half years, he said.
Regarding the aging buses, he noted that while their permitted lifespan is up to 15 years, they are being renovated. Around 2,000 to 2,500 buses have been renovated so far.
Responding to concerns raised by member YM Satish about inadequate services in Ballari and Vijayanagara, the minister said priority would be given to these areas. He added that 1,173 buses have been allocated to Kalyana Karnataka region, while 400 more are in the pipeline and 56 higher class buses are expected to be introduced soon.
Published – 18 March 2026 21:23 IST
