The vehicles often suffer from battery failures and failures of key electronic systems, including infotainment units, air conditioning components, braking and suspension technologies, officials say. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR
The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has imposed fines of ₹25 crore on electric bus operators in the last two years following repeated safety lapses, technical malfunctions and breach of contractual obligations.
Four private companies currently operate around 1,500 electric buses under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model.
Speaking to The Hindu , Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the fines were a result of “continued non-compliance” with operational norms and repeated incidents involving the BMTC’s electric fleet.
“Four private companies have been fined more than ₹25 crore for non-compliance with contractual performance requirements,” he said.
Increasing accidents
BMTC electric buses have been involved in several accidents in recent months. Officials said the vehicles often suffer from battery failures and malfunctions in key electronic systems, including infotainment units, air conditioning components, brakes and suspension.
In many cases, buses stopped in the middle of the road, disrupting traffic and posing a safety hazard to passengers and motorists. A senior BMTC official noted that poor maintenance and lack of technical support by operators were among the main reasons for frequent service interruptions.
In response to the increase in accidents, BMTC has started training electric bus drivers internally. Drivers employed by private operators are now required to undergo a three-day program at the BMTC training center in Vadarahalli. “The course includes lessons on stress management, health awareness, safe driving techniques, traffic rules and guidelines for operating EVs in both rainy and dry conditions. So far, 150 drivers have completed the training,” the official explained.
Meanwhile, Mr Reddy said the BMTC recently held a meeting with four private operators to highlight widespread concerns, including fast-draining batteries, deployment of under-trained drivers, inconsistent driver management and delayed salary payments. “Strict instructions have been issued to ensure that these issues do not recur. We have also asked the operators to increase the number of trained drivers and the response has been positive,” he said.
Published – 27 Nov 2025 20:37 IST
