Despite the Karnataka government sanctioning 100 electric buses each for the Mangaluru and Puttur KSRTC divisions, the rollout in Mangaluru is expected to take several months due to infrastructure hurdles.
The project’s progress hinges on approval from Mescom to establish charging stations at Bejai and Kuntikana. Only after this approval can KSRTC invite tenders for construction. According to Rajesh Shetty, Senior Divisional Controller, the proposal is still in its early implementation phase. Once Mescom grants clearance, they will begin underground cable work to both locations, following which KSRTC will start building the stations.
Construction of these two key charging points is expected to take at least three months. The buses will be deployed only within Mangaluru city limits, and route planning will begin once the bus type—either 250 km or 180 km range—is confirmed by the government.
Additionally, public demand for intra-city round-trip buses is being considered. The RTO has recommended that two to three buses be designated to cover key locations like KSRTC, Lalbagh, Bejai, KPT, Kavoor, and Padil. KSRTC will need to recruit more drivers and conductors for this service.
While the plan promises greener urban transport, officials emphasize that infrastructure must come first to ensure smooth operations.
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