BANGALORE: The fleet of the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) will be augmented with the induction of 919 buses, including 43 Volvos, Transport Minister N. Cheluvaraya Swamy announced on Tuesday. An additional 1,080 buses will be added to the fleet of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, he said.

Mr. Cheluvaraya Swamy told presspersons here that the 43 Volvo buses are being offered at Rs. 70 lakhs per vehicle. Of the 876 buses for the BMTC, bodies of 400 buses will be built by calling for tenders, he said. Seven Volvo buses are on the road in Bangalore, and with the addition, the fleet will increase to 50. The Volvo service has proved profitable and popular, he said. Most of the new buses will be on the road within three months, Mr. Cheluvaraya Swamy said.

The Minister said the Hubli sector will be provided 600 buses, and the Gulbarga sector 400 buses. As the Metro Rail project is likely to begin soon, the BMTC will soon have to rework routes and coordinate them with the Metro alignment. A meeting of officials will be called shortly to work out details, he added.

There is high revenue from the Mysore Road bus terminus, and its convenient location has eased traffic congestion and reduced commuting time considerably. Rentals from the bus stand, on which Rs. 20 crores has been spent, are Rs. 20 lakhs.

Mr. Cheluvarayaswamy said action will be initiated against drivers of private buses for negligent driving.

He said the Budget, to be presented on March 20, will see the withdrawal of tractor tax payable by farmers.

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