BMTC to replace all diesel buses with e-vehicles

The state government plans to replace all diesel buses operated by Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) with electric vehicles in the next five years, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said on Wednesday.

Inaugurating the 8th edition of Busworld India, a bus and coach exhibition, organised by Busworld International at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), he said the move is aimed at curbing vehicular pollution and bringing down BMTC’s operating costs.

“When it comes to vehicle use, Bengaluru saw a more than 100% jump in the last 20 years. There are over 70 lakh vehicles running on the city’s roads, which are not meant for such heavy traffic.

Introduction of electric buses will reduce pollution,” he said.

He said, recently, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy held discussions with him and officials on replacing all public transport buses with electric buses.

At the international event, which will conclude on August 31, over 120 bus and coach manufacturers, component suppliers, technology providers and bus and coach market leaders are showcasing latest products, technology, services, and solutions.

“In any country, the main issue is congestion and pollution. And this is the right platform to find solutions,” said Didier Ramoudt, president, Busworld International.

He said the Busworld International will hold similar exhibitions in Jakarta, South Africa and USA.

Olectra Greentech, earlier known as Goldstone Infratech, launched three new electric vehicles in association with Chinese automobile manufacturer BYD, for use in public transportation. MG Group also launched three new buses at the exhibition.

Tata Motors, Force Motors, BYD, MG Automotive in association with Bharatbenz, Bridgestone, MRF showcased their products. ASRTU (Association of State Road Transport Undertakings), a non-government, passenger transport, industry-led, BOCI (Bus Operator Confederation of India) and road transport companies are also participating.

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