The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has imposed penalties of ₹25 crore on electric bus operators over the past two years, following recurring safety lapses, technical failures, and violations of contractual obligations.
Four private companies currently operate around 1,500 electric buses under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model.
Speaking to The Hindu, Minister for Transport Ramalinga Reddy said that the fines were a result of ‘continued non-compliance’ with operational standards and repeated incidents involving the BMTC’s electric fleet.
“More than ₹25 crore in penalties has been levied on four private companies for failing to meet contractual performance requirements,” he said.
Rising accidents
The BMTC’s electric buses have been involved in several accidents in recent months. Officials said the vehicles frequently suffer from battery malfunctions and failures in key electronic systems, including infotainment units, air-conditioning components, braking and suspension technologies.
In numerous cases, buses stalled in the middle of the road, disrupting traffic and posing safety risks to passengers and motorists. A senior BMTC official noted that poor maintenance and inadequate technical support from operators were among the primary reasons for frequent service interruptions.
In response to the rise in accidents, the BMTC has begun training electric bus drivers internally. Drivers employed by private operators are now required to undergo a three-day programme at the BMTC Training Centre in Vaddarahalli. “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 the four private operators to flag widespread concerns, including rapidly depleting batteries, deployment of inadequately trained drivers, inconsistent driver management, and delays in salary payments. “Strict instructions have been issued to ensure that these issues do not recur. We have also asked operators to increase the number of trained drivers, and the response has been positive,” he said.
Published – November 27, 2025 08:37 pm IST
