Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Sep 17: Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses will now operate up to 40 km beyond the city limits, reaching Ramanagara, Channapatna, and Magadi, transport minister Ramalinga Reddy announced on Tuesday. Until now, BMTC services were limited to 25 km from Bengaluru city.

Speaking at a city bus launch event at the Ramanagara bus stand, Reddy said that public demand for city bus connectivity to Ramanagara has been longstanding. “Earlier, when I was transport minister, D K Suresh had introduced city buses here, but the services did not run extensively. Now the city has grown and the population has increased, so the buses will greatly benefit commuters,” he said.

Reddy also noted the need for a modern bus terminal in Ramanagara. He said the responsibility for providing land for the new terminal lies with former MP D K Suresh and local MLA Iqbal Hussain. Plans are also in place for a depot at Sathanur, with Suresh assuring land allocation. The expansion of BMTC services will benefit taluks in both Bengaluru North and South districts, he added.

Rajiv Gandhi University to boost local demand

MLA Iqbal Hussain highlighted the rapid growth of Ramanagara, noting that the upcoming Rajiv Gandhi University will bring 5,000–6,000 doctors to the area within a year. “Currently, BMTC buses stop just 2 km short of the district centre. Since Ramanagara is part of Bengaluru South district, extending BMTC services will help students, dairy farmers, and silk growers,” he urged.

Former MP and BAMUL president DK Suresh expressed gratitude to Reddy for extending BMTC’s reach, saying it would greatly benefit residents of Ramanagara, Kanakapura, and Magadi.

The event was attended by City Municipal Council president K Sheshadri (Shashi), vice-president Ayesha Banu, former MLA K Raju, Urban Development Authority chairman A B Chetan Kumar, Congress district president Gangadhar, Guarantee Implementation Committee Taluk president V H Raju, municipal members, Congress leaders, KSRTC officials, and staff.

Electric buses are centre-owned

Responding to media questions about frequent short-circuit incidents in electric buses, Reddy clarified that the electric buses in BMTC’s fleet belong to the central government. “These buses were procured through a tender process involving four companies. The drivers and maintenance staff are employed by these companies, while BMTC provides only supervisory staff,” he said.

Routes and stops

Three route maps have been finalised for the new city services:

•    Kengal – Ramanagara Bus Stand – Mayaganahalli
•    Maruthinagar – Yarabnagar – Ijoor
•    Vijayanagar – Ijoor Water Tank

The buses will stop at more than 65 designated locations, ensuring improved connectivity across the region.