Karnataka to Procure 15,000 New Buses for State Transport Corporations

The Karnataka government has initiated the process to procure approximately 15,000 new buses across its four State-owned transport corporations, Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh announced on Saturday. The initiative is aimed at improving public transport connectivity in transport-deprived areas, including rural parts of the state.

Speaking after hoisting the national flag during the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Chickballapur District Stadium, Mr. Suresh stated that the new fleet will be purchased in phases depending on the availability of government funds to strengthen the overall public transport network across the state.

The planned addition of 15,000 buses through the four transport corporations is intended to bridge key connectivity gaps in regions currently facing a shortage of public transit services.

In addition to the fleet expansion plans, the Minister highlighted the state's welfare measures for students, noting that nearly 10 lakh students have been issued free bus passes under the government's student bus pass scheme at an expenditure of ₹286 crore.