BMTC introduces electric Vayu Vajra buses to Bengaluru airport
The new fleet includes 235 buses for Vajra city services, and 85 for Vayu Vajra airport services.
In the first phase, 10 electric Vayu Vajra buses will be deployed from August 14, operating on 11 routes connecting different parts of Bengaluru to Kempegowda International Airport.
On August 14, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy flagged off the airport electric buses at the Bengaluru airport.
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy @RLR_BTM flagged off 10 new AC electric 'Vayu Vajra' buses to #Bengaluru Airport. Part of BMTC's 320-bus e-fleet plan, the zero-emission coaches feature CCTV, USB charging, wheelchair access & enhanced safety. @the_hindu@THBengalurupic.twitter.com/v49wKanq7J — Darshan Devaiah B P (@DarshanDevaiahB) August 14, 2025
According to BMTC officials, these 12-metre, zero-emission buses are equipped with a 283 kWh battery, offering a range of up to 225 km per day. Passenger-friendly features include 35 high-back seats, wheelchair access, USB charging ports, CCTV cameras, panic buttons, kneeling mechanisms, and voice-enabled LED destination boards.
'Safety systems such as fire detection, rear camera reverse assist, and regenerative braking are also incorporated,' an official said.
'Currently, 156 Vayu Vajra schedules run 1,061 one-way trips daily, covering 50,776 km, and serving about 14,000 passengers. The addition of electric buses is expected to improve comfort, reduce emission, and enhance operational efficiency,' the official added.
BMTC has established opportunity charging points at key locations, including Central Silk Board, Kadugodi Bus Stand, Depot-7, and KIA. At the airport, nine chargers with a total capacity of 240 kW have been installed at P7 parking, powered by a 1,400 KVA high-tension connection.
'The ₹1.5-crore infrastructure investment by BMTC was supported by the airport authority, which provided space free of cost,' the official explained.
BMTC has an average daily ridership of 44 lakh across 6,217 buses, including 1,535 electric vehicles.
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