BMTC Gains 2.5 Lakh Daily Riders Following Expansion Beyond City Limits

The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has recorded an addition of nearly 2.5 lakh passengers to its daily ridership following its network expansion beyond the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) limits. The surge comes as the state government permitted the transport utility to extend operations up to 40 km beyond GBA limits, connecting central hubs such as Kempegowda Bus Station at Majestic and Banashankari directly with neighbouring towns.

Under the revised operational guidelines, BMTC was permitted to extend its reach by an additional 15 km beyond the earlier limit of 25 km past the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) boundaries. This adjustment enabled the corporation to operate bus services to destinations located more than 60 km away from Majestic, integrating suburban commuters into the city transport network.

BMTC currently operates non-stop services on 11 routes connecting Bengaluru with neighbouring towns, carrying around 60,000 passengers daily across 124 trips. Among these, six buses run between Majestic and Ramanagara, executing 36 daily trips, while eight buses operate between Banashankari and Kanakapura, completing 48 daily trips.

The recent expansion phase began on March 4 with the launch of air-conditioned Vajra Vistara services to Ramanagara and Kanakapura. The Kanakapura route marked BMTC's return to the town after a 23-year hiatus following the discontinuation of services in 2002, which had previously forced commuters to change buses at Kalasipalya to reach Majestic.

Further route expansions were rolled out through May. BMTC launched six buses to Chikkaballapur on May 1, followed by Vajra Vistara services between Channapatna and Majestic on May 8 using eight buses. On May 20, air-conditioned bus services began operating between Bengaluru and Tumakuru, deploying 10 buses for 54 daily trips. Additionally, a Vegadootha service introduced on May 23 connects H Cross in Sidlaghatta taluk with Hoskote Tin Factory and extends to Nelamangala.

Historically, BMTC relied on black-board buses largely confined to the city core before introducing red-board services as residential layouts expanded toward the outskirts. Officials noted that the latest expansion eliminates the need for multiple transfers, establishing direct travel links for office-goers, students, and traders traveling into Bengaluru daily.