Fri Mar 07 16:12:58 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Budget Allocates ₹200 Crore for Electric Bus Initiative

**Bengaluru, March 7, 2025** – The Karnataka State government has announced a significant investment in its public transportation system, with a focus on electrifying its bus fleet. The budget includes plans to induct 14,750 electric buses over the next fiscal year (2025-26), funded through schemes like PM e-DRIVE and PM-eBus Sewa, as well as externally aided projects. In addition, 1,000 new diesel buses will be added under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to guaranteeing loans worth ₹2,000 crore for the Road Transport Corporations (RTCs). Further investments include:

* **Automated Driving Tracks:** Three new automated test driving tracks will be constructed in Honnavar, Chamarajanagar, and Chitradurga at a cost of ₹12 crore, complementing the 42 already under construction.
* **AI-Enabled Traffic Monitoring:** ₹50 crore will be allocated to install AI-powered cameras at 60 locations across ten districts to monitor traffic and enforce traffic regulations.
* **RTO Digitalization:** The digitalization of records across five Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) will receive ₹25 crore in funding.
* **Mysuru Bus Stand:** A new state-of-the-art bus stand in Mysuru’s Banni Mantapa will be built at a cost of ₹120 crore.

The substantial investment in electric buses underscores the government’s commitment to sustainable transportation and modernization of the state’s infrastructure.

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