KSTDC mulls rolling out 40 electric buses for safari operations at Bannerghatta Biological Park
The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) is exploring options to introduce 40 electric buses for safari operations at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) in Bengaluru
The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) is exploring options to introduce 40 electric buses for safari operations at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) in Bengaluru. At present, there are 35 diesel buses, si and eight-seater AC and non-AC jeeps, and five four-seater electric vehicles used for safari operations at BBP. According to KSTDC officials, the electric buses will help reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution, besides lowering diesel expenditure in the long run for the existing fleet of 35 buses.
Trilok Chandra, Secretary, Tourism Department, and Director, KSTDC, said, “As the safari is the major attraction at BBP, we are exploring options to introduce air-conditioned electric buses. A tender will be floated after a detailed study is completed. These buses will help promote 70% cleaner energy and reduce carbon emissions during operations.” Chandra added, “The price of diesel has been increasing daily. We want to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels wherever possible in the State’s tourism sector. These buses are under consideration only for BBP and not for other places such as Bandipur or Nagarhole.
Since other forests have a rugged terrain, using electric buses will not help. BBP is equipped with a controlled environment and these buses can be easily operated.” In 2025, the Forest Department launched a 22-seater air-conditioned electric bus powered by a 100 kWh battery on a pilot basis. It had the capacity to run for 60 kilometres and complete eight trips on a two-hour charge. However, this bus was taken off the fleet due to internal issues, an official from BBP informed.
Thus, allowing only diesel buses to operate. A senior official at Bannerghatta Biological Park said, “We have purchased five four-seater electric vehicles to take people around the zoo. We plan to purchase two more as they have proved beneficial. We have a charging station on the campus where these vehicles are charged, and they can operate for four to six hours.”
The BriefWire