BMTC to buy 150 midi buses, floats tender

Bangalore, May 17, 2013: Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), one of the largest state-owned agencies operating city buses in India, is in the process of buying 150 midi buses for passenger transport in Bangalore city. The public-sector bus operator has floated tenders, calling for offers from major commercial vehicle manufacturers in the country.

Talking to Autocar Professional on the sidelines of APCON 2013, an international conference on supply chain management held in Bangalore on May 16, BMTC managing director Anjum Parwez (pictured) said, “The tenders to buy midi buses have been floated and we have received a response from a leading vehicle manufacturer.”

The midi bus concept is new for BMTC and commuters in Bangalore. Some years ago, BMTC introduced mini buses supplied by Swaraj Mazda. But the mini buses failed to attract passengers as the passengers were psychologically not ready to board mini buses which have a low roof body structure. The new midi buses, which are 2500mm wide and 9.5 metres long, will have a high roof design with more headroom as in larger buses. Initially, non-AC midi buses will be introduced in Bangalore followed by air-conditioned midi buses.

“Earlier, the corporation was operating around 135 Swaraj Mazda mini buses. Now we have only 50-60 mini buses, which will also be withdrawn from the service soon,” said Parwez. Each midi bus is expected to cost Rs 21-22 lakh and the cost of entire purchase could be in the range of Rs 30 crore. The midi buses are expected to be roped into service from October this year.

Compared to other public sector bus undertakings in the country, BMTC has been a forerunner in introducing new concepts and solutions. It was the first Indian public sector enterprise to introduce Volvo buses in 2006 for transporting passenger in Bangalore city.

The Karnataka government transport agency services 4.8 million commuters every day in Bangalore city and has a fleet of over 6,443 buses covering an area with a radius of 36 kilometres from the city centre. Every day, BMTC operates 583 city and 1,785 suburban routes, running 13.05 lakh kilometres and making 80,781 trips. The agency serves public with 39 depots and 50 bus stations across the city. The current per day traffic revenue of BMTC stands at around Rs 4.31 crore.

JAISHANKAR JAYARAMIAH