Thu Sep 18 14:04:33 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article rewrite:
**Summary:**
The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is planning to expand its city bus operations to a 40-km radius from the city boundary, up from the current 25-km radius. This expansion is driven by the formation of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), the city’s rapid growth, and increasing population, especially in the outskirts. The government has issued a draft notification seeking public feedback. While commuters generally welcome the expansion, they are concerned about whether the BMTC fleet will be adequately expanded to meet the increased demand and avoid stressing the current system. The Transport Minister confirmed the need for expansion due to increased demand from the outskirts and stated that the fleet will be augmented through government schemes and new procurements.
**News Article:**
**Bengaluru Bus Network Set to Expand as City Limits Grow**
**Bengaluru, September 18, 2025** – Commuters in Bengaluru could soon see an expansion of the city’s bus network, with the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) planning to extend its services to a 40-kilometer radius from the city boundary. The move, spurred by the formation of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and the city’s burgeoning population, aims to cater to the growing transportation needs of residents in the outskirts.
The State government issued a draft notification today, inviting public objections and suggestions regarding the proposed expansion. Currently, BMTC buses operate within a 25-kilometer radius.
“Since the city is expanding and the population is also increasing, especially in the outskirts, there is demand for more city buses,” said Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy in a statement to *The Hindu*. “With the creation of the GBA, this expansion is necessary and will help the people.”
While the announcement has been largely welcomed by commuters, concerns are being raised about the BMTC’s capacity to handle the expanded service area without a significant increase in its fleet size.
“This is a good move by the government,” said Lavanya S, a resident of Soladevanahalli. “But this means the fleet size should double up. Mere extensions won’t be fine, it will only stress the system.”
Another commuter, Sampath Kumar, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Unless the size of the fleet is increased, if not doubled, this plan will prove to be a disaster for existing areas and users. First increase the number of buses, especially eco-friendly electric ones, and then extend the services.”
The Transport Department assures that the BMTC is working on augmenting its fleet through various Central government schemes, including PM e-Drive and FAME-II, and will be procuring new buses to meet the anticipated demand.
The public has been invited to submit objections or suggestions to the Secretary to Government, Transport Department, M.S. Building, Bengaluru–560001. The expansion plan is expected to undergo revisions based on the feedback received.
First Piper 