Transport minister slams calls to end Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation monopoly, terms move anti-public | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: Amid clamour over ending BMTC’s exclusive control over Bengaluru city bus service, transport minister Ramalinga Reddy on Monday strongly criticised and termed those advocating the entry of private operators as “anti-public” and motivated by “private interests”. Naming TV Mohandas Pai, MP Tejasvi Surya, and RK Misra, Reddy said their demand to end BMTC’s monopoly over urban bus operations was against public welfare. “These individuals are speaking for private firms, not commuters,” he hit out.The minister noted BMTC caters to 48 lakh passengers daily, nearly one-third of Bengaluru’s 1.4 crore population, and has higher ridership than public transport systems in Chennai, Mumbai, or Delhi. He added that Karnataka operates 3.8 buses per 1,000 people, far above the national average of 1.2. Referring to a recent mobility symposium organised by a private shuttle operator, Reddy said it turned into “a one-sided advocacy for private firms”. He condemned the event for undermining BMTC’s contribution, saying, “It is shameful that some participants called for ‘no more BMTC, no more monopoly’.” “Public transport is a welfare service, not a profit venture,” Reddy said, adding private players would focus only on lucrative routes, neglecting low-income commuters. “Those with a capitalist mindset are working against social welfare. BMTC runs across all sections without profit bias,” he asserted.Accusing BJP leaders of indulging in “social media politics,” Reddy said they have done little to strengthen public transport. “Over one lakh people work in our transport corporations. Instead of dismantling them, they should be supported,” he said. Highlighting the impact of the shakti scheme, which offers free travel for women, Reddy cited studies showing that women’s workforce participation rose 23% in Bengaluru and 21% in Hubballi ever since the scheme was launched.He urged BJP leaders to seek central funding for bus expansion, recalling that under the UPA’s JNNURM, the Centre funded 80% of bus procurement costs. “Now, subsidies are diverted to private electric bus operators. RTCs deserve similar support,” he said. Reddy also confirmed BMTC’s plan to expand its jurisdiction up to 40km from the Greater Bengaluru Authority limits, reinforcing the corporation’s sole right to operate stage carriage services within the metropolitan area.