Drivers of BMTC electric buses from Depot 16 in Deepanjali Nagar staged a sudden protest on Thursday, raising concerns over delayed salary payments and pressure to complete all scheduled trips despite severe traffic congestion.
The protest is the latest in a series of demonstrations by drivers operating BMTC electric buses under private operators. Similar protests were conducted on October 18 at the Jayanagara depot and on October 21 at the Yelahanka depot.
BMTC’s electric buses are run by private companies under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model, where the corporation provides only conductors, while the contracted companies handle drivers, maintenance, and other operational responsibilities. Drivers are thus employed by the private operators and receive their salaries directly from them.
BMTC officials clarified that the protest did not affect bus services. “These drivers are private employees. Their salaries are paid by the private company, not by the BMTC. There was no disruption in bus services due to this protest,” a BMTC official said.
Published – October 23, 2025 09:19 pm IST
