In a move to promote clean mobility and generate additional revenue, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has announced plans to establish electric vehicle (EV) battery swapping stations at several of its bus terminals across the city.
The initiative aims to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles—particularly two-wheelers and small commercial vehicles—while also leveraging BMTC’s infrastructure to create non-fare income streams.
Space to Be Allotted on Licence Basis
BMTC will provide open spaces at select bus stations on a licence-fee basis and has recently floated a tender for the project. The contract will be awarded to the bidder quoting the highest monthly licence fee.
Under the arrangement, the selected licensee will be responsible for installing, operating, and maintaining the battery swapping infrastructure. BMTC’s role will be limited to providing space and issuing the required no-objection certificates (NOCs).
A senior BMTC official said the move aligns with the city’s broader push toward electric mobility. “Bus terminals are high-footfall areas and are well-suited for last-mile EV infrastructure. Battery swapping can significantly reduce downtime for electric two-wheelers and small commercial vehicles that are increasingly common in Bengaluru,” the official noted.
Identified Locations Across Bengaluru
BMTC has identified multiple locations for the battery swapping stations, including:
- Shantinagar
- Domlur TTMC
- Malleswaram
- Yelahanka New Town
- Nagarbhavi
- Vidyaranyapura
The allocated spaces will range between 120 and 250 square feet, depending on the terminal.
Licence Terms and Safety Requirements
According to the tender document, the licence will be granted for an initial period of three years, with an option to extend it by another three years based on mutual agreement.
The financial terms include:
- A 10% annual escalation in licence fee
- A security deposit equivalent to 11 times the monthly licence fee
- A one-month rent-free gestation period to allow setup of infrastructure
The licensee will be required to obtain all necessary statutory approvals and arrange electricity supply under the EV tariff from BESCOM. Additionally, strict compliance with national safety standards has been mandated.
Chargers installed at BMTC premises must be IP54 compliant, and batteries must adhere to AIS-156 or UNR136 safety standards.
Revenue and Sustainability Push
Officials said the model ensures that operational and safety responsibilities rest entirely with the private operator, preventing disruption to passenger movement within bus terminals.
“The initiative allows BMTC to generate non-fare revenue while promoting environmentally sustainable transport options,” an official added.
The project represents another step in Bengaluru’s ongoing transition toward electric mobility, with public transport hubs playing a key role in building last-mile EV infrastructure.
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