The Karnataka EV Bus Pilot has officially begun in 2025, marking a transformative move toward green mobility for college students. The state government, in partnership with private EV manufacturers and educational institutions, has launched a dedicated electric bus fleet to operate on select college routes in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, and Hubli.
This pilot initiative is part of the broader EV Karnataka strategy to promote sustainable public transport and reduce the carbon footprint in education hubs. The scheme is currently operational in 10 institutions and will be scaled up across the state by the end of the year.
Key Features of the Karnataka EV College Bus Project
The Karnataka EV Bus Pilot includes fully electric buses equipped with safety and tracking systems. These buses are designed specifically for daily student commuting and have already started serving thousands of college students in pilot cities. Key highlights include:
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Battery capacity supporting up to 250 km on a single charge
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Low-floor, wheelchair-accessible design
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Real-time GPS tracking and CCTV monitoring
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Free Wi-Fi, mobile charging ports, and emergency SOS buttons
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App-based tracking for students and parents
These buses under the EV Karnataka framework are currently operating between college campuses, hostels, and metro stations, promoting efficient and clean college mobility.
Where the Pilot Has Been Rolled Out
The pilot phase of the Karnataka EV Bus Pilot covers a growing list of public and private institutions. Here’s a city-wise distribution of the initial rollout:
| City | Colleges Covered | No. of Buses Deployed |
|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru | Bangalore University, RV College, Christ | 20 |
| Mysuru | SJCE, University of Mysore | 10 |
| Mangaluru | NITK, St. Aloysius College | 8 |
| Hubli | BVB College of Engineering | 6 |
Each bus is branded under the college mobility initiative and monitored by the Regional Transport Office for route performance and feedback.
Government Support and Infrastructure Investment
The state’s transport and higher education ministries have jointly funded the Karnataka EV Bus Pilot. Infrastructure upgrades accompanying this project include:
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Charging stations installed on campuses and nearby depots
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Special parking bays for EV buses
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Annual maintenance contracts with EV manufacturers
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Dedicated driver training for operating electric buses
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Smart cards and QR codes for student entry validation
The EV Karnataka policy provides partial subsidies to participating colleges and covers 30% of the operational cost during the pilot year.
Benefits for Students and the Environment
The Karnataka EV Bus Pilot brings several advantages for students and the education sector:
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Zero-emission transportation reduces pollution on campus
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Free or nominally priced rides for students
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Safe and reliable transit with real-time tracking
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Reduced traffic congestion during college hours
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Encouragement of eco-conscious behaviour among youth
This initiative is aligned with the EV Karnataka vision to electrify 50% of the state’s public and institutional transport fleet by 2030.
FAQs
What is the Karnataka EV Bus Pilot?
The Karnataka EV Bus Pilot is a 2025 state-led project to provide electric bus services for college students across major cities in Karnataka.
Which cities are currently covered under the EV Karnataka project?
Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, and Hubli are part of the EV Karnataka pilot, with plans for expansion to Tier-2 towns soon.
How can students access these electric college buses?
Students can board the college mobility buses using college ID cards or smart transport passes linked to their institutions.
Are the buses free under the Karnataka EV Bus Pilot?
Yes, the rides are free or cost only ₹5–₹10 per ride depending on the institution’s participation in the Karnataka EV Bus Pilot.
Will the pilot project become a permanent service?
If successful, the Karnataka EV Bus Pilot will be integrated into the state’s long-term public transport plan under EV Karnataka.
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