BMTC plans to buy 1,000 buses, but none are on roads

Earlier this year, the BMTC had announced that the City would have low-floor Mercedes Benz buses plying alongside the red Volvo Vajras.

The original plan was to have 600 buses by September, but only the chassis of 50 buses have arrived. The bodies for these chassis are yet to be built.

R Ashoka, Transport Minister,  in January this year had announced that the city would see a fleet of 10 Mercedes Benz air conditioned buses plying alongside the red Volvo Vajra.

Exactly a year ago to this date, the city saw the inauguration of Mercedes Benz bus which then underwent a few months of trial run.

What has led to the failure of BMTC’s plans is one singular reason - Bharat Stage 4 (BS4) compliant buses.

A BMTC official on condition of anonymity said the Rs seven-crore plan to buy 10 buses from the German brand has failed. The reason being that Bharat Stage 4 (BS4) compliant buses from Mercedes Benz are yet to be available in the country. “Since every new bus purchased from now onwards has to be BS4 compliant, we had to scrap any deal with Benz,” said the official.

More Vajras?

Volvo showcased the BS4 compliant version of its current city model 8400 in an auto show few months ago. It will be ready for sale as soon as the model recieves Karnataka Air Rules approval.  Vinay Kumar, administrator for sales of Volvo Buses in the State says, “Talks are on. We cannot say how many will be bought by them as it is still in discussion.”
The newer vehicles have been asked to have a reduced horse power by BMTC. This is because; the current horse power seems to be a little more than what is required in the clogged city of Bangalore.