1 day Ago By Suchith Kidiyoor
1 2 3 Bengaluru: City buses once operated by Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) are hitting the roads again — this time in Karnataka's tier 2 and 3 cities — thanks to a large-scale refurbishment initiative by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). The move aims to bridge the gap in public transportation services while minimising costs through sustainable fleet management . KSRTC has acquired 250 retired BMTC buses, each priced between Rs 1.
5 lakh and Rs 2.5 lakh. An additional Rs 3 lakh per vehicle is being invested in extensive refurbishment efforts, including engine overhaul, new seat covers, window panels, and complete revamp of the bus body.
Before re-entering service, these refurbished buses are rigorously inspected and must receive fitness certificates from Regional Transport Offices (RTOs). "These buses had completed over 8 lakh kilometres while serving with BMTC. Double-door buses are ideal for city operations.
Instead of spending Rs 45 lakh on a new bus, refurbishing older units allows us to dramatically reduce capital costs," a KSRTC official explained. Rs 300cr saved, awards won Over the past two years, KSRTC has refurbished around 1,500 buses, including Karnataka Sarige, BMTC city buses , and even AC coaches. This large-scale initiative has resulted in savings of over Rs 300 crore for the transport corporation, earning it several awards and widespread recognition.
The decision to refurbish was spurred by the financial challenges following the Covid-19 pandemic, which made new bus procurement difficult. The refurbishment project not only extends the operational life of vehicles but also enhances passenger comfort — often translating into better ridership and revenue. Sources at KSRTC revealed that refurbishing an old bus takes about approximately 960 hours, with around 120 workers involved in various stages of the process.
To be eligible for refurbishment, the buses must be in good condition and must have at least three years of service left before attaining the 15-year age limit. The selected buses must be free from corrosion. During refurbishment, key components such as the structure, mudguard, bumper, plywood sheets, window panels, passenger seat covers, dashboards, doors, and light assemblies are replaced.
Refurbishment work is carried out at KSRTC's regional and divisional workshops across the state. According to officials, buses typically undergo this process after clocking 8-9 lakh kilometres, ensuring optimal fleet utilisation while complying with regulations. "Refurbished buses offer a much better travel experience for passengers and help meet service demands in underserved areas — all without the financial burden of buying new vehicles," the KSRTC official added.
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