Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy Launches AC Connectivity from Kempegowda Bus Station and Banashankari as BMTC Expands Suburban ReachBengaluru: Karnataka Transport and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Tuesday inaugurated the new “Vajra Vistara” premium air-conditioned bus services of the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation, strengthening connectivity between Bengaluru and its rapidly growing outskirts.
The newly launched services will operate on two key routes, Kempegowda Bus Station to Ramanagara and Banashankari to Kanakapura, marking the first phase of BMTC’s expanded suburban operations up to 40 km under the Greater Bengaluru Authority limits.
Vajra Vistara Routes and Operational Details
Under the first phase rollout effective March 04, 2026:
- Route V-EX-RMN-1
- Kempegowda Bus Station to Ramanagara
- 6 buses, 36 trips daily
- Fare: ₹95 inclusive of GST and toll
- Route V-EX-KNP-1
- Banashankari to Kanakapura
- 8 buses, 48 trips daily
- Fare: ₹90 inclusive of GST and toll
Pass Fare Structure
- Daily Pass: ₹180
- Weekly Pass: ₹1,000
- Monthly Pass: ₹2,700
Stage-wise fare structures have been introduced to ensure flexibility for commuters travelling to intermediate points including Nayandahalli, Kengeri, Harohalli, and Jain University Gate.
BMTC’s Expanding Operations Across Bengaluru
Highlighting the Corporation’s scale of operations, officials stated that BMTC currently runs services through 50 depots, operating 6,300 schedules daily, completing 66,315 trips and covering 13.06 lakh kilometres per day. On average, nearly 45 lakh passengers use BMTC services daily.
Out of the total fleet schedules, 1,727 electric buses are currently operational, reflecting a push towards sustainable public transport.
In suburban regions
- Harohalli Taluk operates 145 schedules with 1,332 trips
- Bidadi region runs 136 schedules with 1,163 trips
- Magadi region operates 39 schedules with 240 trips
- Solur and Dabaspet region runs 35 schedules with 220 trips
Additionally, 124 non-stop schedules are being operated on 11 routes connecting key towns such as Attibele, Anekal, Devanahalli, Doddaballapura, Nelamangala, and Hoskote, generating an average daily revenue of ₹18 lakh with around 60,000 passengers.
Temple Tourism and Weekend Services
BMTC has expanded religious tourism connectivity with 11 “Divya Darshana” routes. During weekends, 40 buses operate on Saturdays and Sundays, benefiting nearly 1,200 tourists.
Employee Welfare and Recruitment Drive
In collaboration with Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, 13,668 employees above 40 years have undergone free cardiac screening.
Respiratory health camps conducted at Jayanagar Air Chest & Sleep Centre have screened 4,186 frontline employees.
Under the Saarige Aashakirana Scheme, in partnership with the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India and C-CAMP, eye screening camps have been organized across 50 depots and workshops.
To strengthen operational efficiency, 2,500 conductor posts have been filled through direct recruitment. Additionally, 416 dependents of deceased employees have been appointed on compassionate grounds since June 2023.
The inauguration programme was held in the presence of Corporation President V.S. Aradhya, MLA H.A. Iqbal Hussain, Vice President Niketh Raj M., Managing Director K.B. Shivakumar, District officials, and senior officers from Bengaluru South and Ramanagara districts.
