BENGALURU: The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has launched its longest air-conditioned (AC) bus service. This major initiative has been initiated to allow the people of Bengaluru to travel comfortably. This premium Volvo bus connects Bengaluru to the city of Tumakuru. Thousands of daily commuters will benefit from this new route, which offers fast and comfortable travel.
The service, launched under BMTC’s Vajra Vistara AC category, covers nearly 70 kilometres, making it the corporation’s longest operational AC route so far. Officials said the route was introduced following rising public demand for better premium transport facilities between Bengaluru and Tumakuru, one of Karnataka’s rapidly expanding urban and industrial regions.
BMTC has launched 10 new AC Volvo buses for the Bengaluru to Tumakuru route (Route: V EX TMK–1). You will find a bus every 20 minutes, with 54 total trips running daily. The maximum ticket price is Rs 120, which includes toll charges.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah formally flagged off the new service in Tumakuru on Tuesday in the presence of senior cabinet ministers, including Home Minister G Parameshwara. The launch comes at a time when discussions are ongoing regarding Tumakuru’s growing integration with Bengaluru’s urban expansion.
The buses will operate through several major points across Bengaluru before reaching Tumakuru. Key stops on the route include Navarang, Goraguntepalya, Jalahalli Cross, T Dasarahalli, 8th Mile, Widia Stop, and Kyathasandra. Officials stated that the route has been designed with limited halts to ensure faster travel time and reduce delays for long-distance commuters.
BMTC clarified that the new AC service will not affect existing Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operations on the same corridor. Officials noted that while KSRTC continues to operate regular non-AC intercity buses, BMTC’s Vajra Vistara buses are focused on offering premium, limited-stop connectivity mainly within the Bengaluru metropolitan stretch.
The BMTC is expanding its bus services beyond Bengaluru. The Karnataka government has granted the BMTC permission to operate its buses up to 40 kilometers outside the city (GBA). Under this plan, AC buses have been introduced to Ramanagara, Kanakapura, Channapatna, and Chikkaballapura in the last few months.
Experts believe that the new Bengaluru-Tumakuru AC corridor will encourage people to travel by bus or train instead of their own vehicles. This will reduce traffic congestion on the busy highway and make city travel more environmentally friendly and easier.
