Latest news with #BengaluruMetropolitanTransportCorporation
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
500 crore free bus tickets under Shakti scheme; Karnataka CM, Deputy CM celebrate landmark
The Karnataka government Monday celebrated the landmark of issuing 500 crore free bus tickets for women under the 'Shakti scheme'. In an event, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, flanked by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, handed out free tickets to women passengers aboard a Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus. Speaking to reporters after the event, Siddaramaiah said that the Shakti scheme was implemented on June 11, 2023. Under the scheme, women from Karnataka were allowed to travel for free after producing identification documents in non-premium buses run by the four state-run transport corporations. Shakti scheme is among the five guarantees being implemented by the Congress government in Karnataka, apart from Gruha Lakshmi – Rs 2,000 monthly allowance for women head of families, Gruha Jyothi – free power below 200 units every month, Anna Bhagya – 10 kg rice per person of a family in a month, and Yuva Nidhi – unemployment allowance for graduates and diploma holders for six months. Speaking at another event held at Indi, Vijayapura district, Siddaramaiah said that the Rs 83,000 crore spent on guarantee schemes for the welfare of the people was a clear example of the state government being pro-development. 'Is 500 crore (tickets for) women travelling free, Gruha Lakshmi funds for 1.23 crore families, 1.64 crore households receiving free power supply below 200 units, and helping crores of Kannadigas under Anna Bhagya and Yuva Nidhi schemes, not development?' he asked. He said the BJP and the JD(S) were making false allegations against the government to derail the welfare schemes implemented by it.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Hindu
BMTC rolls out ‘OnBoard' assistive device for visually impaired city bus commuters
In a step toward inclusive public transportation, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has begun deploying an innovative device called 'OnBoard' to assist visually impaired commuters in navigating city buses with greater ease and independence. The technology, developed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi in partnership with the Raised Lines Foundation (RLF), is being implemented with the support of Continental Automotive Components India Pvt. Ltd. and Enable India, according to BMTC. Officials said that it aims to eliminate the need for visually impaired individuals to rely on bystanders at bus stops, thus reducing mental stress and improving self-confidence. Speaking about the initiative, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said, 'The OnBoard system is a progressive step toward empowering visually impaired citizens to travel with dignity and independence.' How it works The OnBoard solution uses a two-part communication system: a handheld remote with the commuter and a receiver unit installed in BMTC buses, fixed on the lower front glass near the entry door. When a bus approaches, the visually impaired commuter presses a 'Find' button on the remote, prompting the bus to announce its route number through a speaker. If the bus matches the desired route, the commuter presses 'Select,' alerting the driver and conductor that a visually impaired passenger is preparing to board. 'This ensures a longer halt for safer boarding. The same method is used for disembarkation as the passenger nears their destination,' Mr. Reddy said. Some of the key features of the device include: Alerting users when a selected bus is within a 30-meter radius, ensuring safe and guided boarding and alighting, weather-resistant design, tested for durability in rain, dust, and heat. Pilot project shows promise The pilot project began with 25 BMTC buses operating on routes 401K and 242B, which visually impaired passengers frequently use. 'As part of the pilot, 500 users received hands-on training, with 25 individuals actively testing the system. Feedback from these users was overwhelmingly positive. Many reported increased confidence, less anxiety while commuting, and a significantly improved experience,' the Minister said. Encouraged by this, BMTC approved the installation of OnBoard devices in 500 buses across Bengaluru, with the next 100 devices being installed from June 2025. Full deployment is expected by August 2025. Implementation strategy and routes covered According to BMTC, initial integration of the device required several modifications to ensure compatibility with existing bus systems. After technical adjustments and server integration, installation began on 125 diesel buses across five routes: 401K (Yelahanka to Kengeri), 401R (Yelahanka to Kengeri), 401M (Yeshwanthpur to Kengeri), 410FA (Yeshwanthpur to Banashankari TTMC), 410FG (Yeshwanthpur to Nayandahalli Metro Station). According to BMTC officials, this initiative has not only earned praise locally but has also begun attracting interest from other states exploring similar solutions. 'We're seeing a national shift in how we approach public transport infrastructure for persons with disabilities,' said an official from BMTC. Prashanth Doreswamy, president and CEO of Continental, said, 'We believe that mobility must be inclusive and accessible. This partnership with BMTC is a testament to what technology can do when it is driven by a sense of social responsibility.' The Minister said, 'We urge other transport agencies and departments across the country to take note and implement similar solutions to ensure no one is left behind.'
Hans India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Hans India
BMTC rolls out 148 non-AC e-buses with safety, eco-friendly upgrades
The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) on Friday announced the induction of 148 non-AC electric buses from Tata Motors Ltd for public service, along with the launch of new routes under express services and package tours. The first phase of this induction was marked by the ceremonial flag-off of 10 non-AC electric buses by State Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy. By further expanding its fleet of electric buses, BMTC has taken a significant step towards promoting public transport and combating rising vehicular pollution in Bengaluru. As of now, BMTC operates a total of 1,436 electric buses across various routes in the city, it said. 'These additional 148 new non-AC electric buses, supplied by TML (Tata Motors Ltd) Smart City Mobility Solutions Ltd, are being operated under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model for a contractual period of 12 years at a rate of Rs 41.01 per kilometre per bus, inclusive of electricity charges,' BMTC said in a statement. 'Financial assistance of Rs 39.08 lakh per bus has been extended under the Directorate of Urban & Land Transport (DULT) and the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) scheme,' it added. According to BMTC, the operation of these electric buses is instrumental in preventing the emission of approximately 2.07 lakh kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere and contributes to saving nearly 77,000 litres of diesel daily, thereby bolstering the city's green transport initiatives.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- The Hindu
BMTC introduces seven new express services, two tour packages in Bengaluru
The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) on Tuesday introduced seven new express services, including two routes with AC buses. Six of the services start from Kempegowda Bus Stand and ply to Bidadi, Anekal, Doddaballapur, Dabaspet, and Hoskote. One of the bus services plies between Hebbal and Central Silk Board. Additionally, BMTC has introduced two new tour packages: Divya Darshana 5 and Divya Darshana 6 on weekends and public holidays. Divya Darshana 5 buses will start at Central Silk Board around 9 a.m. and ply to Nageshwara Temple in Begur, Kote Thimmaraya Temple in Bettadasanapura, Madduramma Temple in Huskur, Varadarajaswamy Chowdeshwari in Narayanaghatta, Sushil Dham-Jain Temple near Guddahatti Gate, Bhoo Varaha Swamy Temple in Mugalur, Chikka Tirupathi, Shaneshwara Swamy Temple in Gunjuru, and Jagannath Temple in Agara, and return to the starting point at 7.30 pm. Divya Darshana 6 bus will start at KBS at 9 a.m. and ply to Circle Maramma Temple in Malleswaram, Kalika Durga Parameshwari in Vidyaranyapura, Kashi Vishwanatha Temple in Attur, Srinivasa Temple near NES, Thimmarayaswamy Temple near Avathi, Sri Shirdi Saibaba Temple in Avathi, Jain Temple in Devanahalli, Lakshmi Bhoo Varaha Swamy Temple, and return to the end point at 7.30 pm. Both Divya Darshana 5 and 6 cost ₹500 for an adult and ₹375 for children.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
BMTC rolls out 148 non-AC e-buses with safety, eco-friendly upgrades
The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation ( BMTC ) on Friday announced the induction of 148 non-AC electric buses from Tata Motors Ltd for public service, along with the launch of new routes under express services and package tours. The first phase of this induction was marked by the ceremonial flag-off of 10 non-AC electric buses by State Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy. By further expanding its fleet of electric buses, BMTC has taken a significant step towards promoting public transport and combating rising vehicular pollution in Bengaluru. As of now, BMTC operates a total of 1,436 electric buses across various routes in the city, it said. "These additional 148 new non-AC electric buses, supplied by TML (Tata Motors Ltd) Smart City Mobility Solutions Ltd, are being operated under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model for a contractual period of 12 years at a rate of Rs 41.01 per kilometre per bus, inclusive of electricity charges," BMTC said in a statement. "Financial assistance of Rs 39.08 lakh per bus has been extended under the Directorate of Urban & Land Transport (DULT) and the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) scheme," it added. Live Events According to BMTC, the operation of these electric buses is instrumental in preventing the emission of approximately 2.07 lakh kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere and contributes to saving nearly 77,000 litres of diesel daily, thereby bolstering the city's green transport initiatives. Some of the salient features of the new electric buses include zero-emission and environment-friendly operation, 10 panic buttons for women's safety, FDAS (Fire Detection and Alarm System), and vehicle location tracking. They are also equipped with features for passenger convenience and accessibility-such as a kneeling mechanism and a wheelchair ramp to enable easy boarding for senior citizens, differently-abled individuals, and wheelchair users. Other features include request stop buttons, pneumatic doors that remain locked while the bus is in motion, and regenerative braking for enhanced energy efficiency. As part of its upcoming electric bus projects, BMTC has also announced the deployment of 195 AC electric buses (12m length) from Ohm Global Mobility Ltd, as part of the remaining 320 buses being introduced in a phased manner-aiming for a total operational strength of 1,779 electric buses by the end of the year. Under the PM E-Bus Sewa scheme, an additional 400 AC and 4,100 non-AC electric buses are slated for deployment, it added.
