Bengaluru’s public transportation system is taking a significant leap towards being smarter, safer, and more eco-friendly. Today, a momentous occasion was marked with the inauguration of the Tata Motors’ smart electric bus prototype, graced by Shri Ramalinga Reddy, Hon’ble Minister of Transport, Government of Karnataka, Dr. N. V. Prasad, IAS, Secretary to Government, Transport Department, and Ms. G Sathyavathi, IAS, Managing Director of Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), along with esteemed delegates from the Government of Karnataka, BMTC, and Tata Motors.
This milestone event is part of a larger order signed between TML Smart City Mobility Solutions Ltd., a fully owned subsidiary of Tata Motors, and BMTC. Under this agreement, Tata Motors will provide, operate, and maintain 921 units of state-of-the-art 12-meter low-floor electric buses over a period of 12 years.
The Tata Starbus EV, an indigenous creation, boasts an exceptional design and incorporates best-in-class features, ensuring a sustainable and comfortable commuting experience for the citizens of Bengaluru. With these advanced electric buses, the city’s public transportation system is set to revolutionize travel, contributing to a greener environment and an enhanced quality of life for all.
Commenting on the announcement, Ms. G Sathyavathi, IAS, Managing Director, Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation, said, “Meeting the high-quality benchmark, we are elated to flag off Tata Motors’ electric bus prototype. The advanced features and impressive performance of the electric bus align perfectly with BMTC’s commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and improving the quality of life for our citizens. We look forward to supplementing our fleet with Tata Motors’ new, smart electric buses.”
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Asim Kumar Mukhopadhyay, CEO and MD, TML Smart City Mobility Solutions Limited said, “We are delighted to see our first smart electric bus get flagged off in Bengaluru. For decades, Tata Motors’ advanced research and development facilities have meticulously created offerings that are cutting-edge and eco-friendly. The bus flagged off today is equipped with state-of-the-art features and ergonomic design, providing commuters a hassle-free travel experience. We are confident that our electric buses will make public transportation safe, comfortable and energy efficient.”
The Starbus EV stands out with its top-of-the-line design, advanced safety features, and a high-performing, energy-efficient electric drivetrain. By emitting zero tailpipe emissions, this e-bus plays a crucial role in combatting air pollution and addressing climate change. Equipped with cutting-edge features such as a new-gen electric powertrain, advanced Integrated Transport System, Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Brake Distribution, and an advanced telematics system, the bus ensures a seamless and secure travel experience.
The vehicle’s thoughtful design includes comfortable seating for 35 passengers and a convenient low-floor configuration, allowing for easy boarding and disembarking. To date, Tata Motors has successfully supplied more than 900 electric buses to various cities in India, and these buses have collectively traveled over 8 crore kilometers, boasting an impressive uptime rate of over 95%. This track record reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering reliable and sustainable transportation solutions for a greener and cleaner future.
