Shawn Sebastian, Bengaluru, Karnataka
For years, A. Javed, a 25-year-old bus driver from Belgaum district in the southern Indian state of Karnataka endured the physical and mental strain of driving diesel buses. The long hours behind the wheel took a toll on his body—constant vibrations, clutch-heavy gear shifts, and the jarring impact of potholes made every shift an exhausting ordeal. But after transitioning to an electric bus run by the BMTC ( Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation) one and a half years ago, his experience has been transformed.
“After finishing an eight-hour shift in a diesel bus, I didn’t feel like doing anything at all,” Javed recalls. “My body would ache from all the strain. But with electric buses, I don’t even realize when my shift is over. I feel completely relieved, even at the end of a hectic day.”
A. Javed, a 25 year-old Electric bus driver prepares to start his afternoon shift at the Shanti
Nagar Electric Bus Depot.
Javed is one of many Indian bus drivers benefiting from the country’s shift toward electric public transport. As major cities like Bengaluru expand their fleet of electric buses (E-buses), the positive impact is being felt not just in terms of environmental sustainability but also in the well-being of those behind the wheel along with the commuters who rely on public transport on a daily basis.
Bengaluru, often referred to as India’s Silicon Valley, has been at the forefront of the country’s transition to electric mobility. With the deployment of E-buses under initiatives like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, the city is taking significant steps toward reducing its carbon footprint.
As per the data available in February 2025, BMTC has 6158 buses in its fleet out of which 1350 are now electric.
Electric buses being charged at the Shanti Nagar Electric Bus Depot, Bengaluru
Nagar Electric Bus Depot.
From Exhaustion to Relief: The Health Impact of E-Buses
The transition from diesel to electric buses has brought significant improvements to drivers’ physical health. Diesel buses require constant gear shifting and clutch engagement, which puts strain on the legs, knees, and back. The excessive vibrations and noise further add to the discomfort.
“In diesel vehicles, if there’s a fault, it’s hard to identify, and fixing it gets my hands covered in grease and oil,” Javed explains. “But in electric buses, everything is smooth. There’s no clutch, no gear, and no unnecessary strain.”
Electric buses eliminate many of these challenges. With automatic transmission and noiseless operation, drivers experience less fatigue. The absence of exhaust fumes also improves air quality inside and around the bus, reducing respiratory issues for both drivers and passengers.
A. Javed driving an electric bus through the busy streets of Bengaluru.
Along with drivers, E-Buses provide a comforting travel experience for commuters in the city who have traditionally struggled in overcrowded noisy diesel run buses that release toxic air into the city.
For Anuja Ghosalkar, a performance artist and a longtime resident of Bengaluru, public transport has always been more than just a means of getting from one place to another—it has been a constant companion in her daily life. From college days to work commutes and family visits, buses have been the backbone of her mobility. But as climate change concerns grow, she believes that simply relying on public transport is no longer enough.
“Fortunately, we now have electric buses on the roads of Bengaluru,” she says. “Traveling in an E-bus is so comfortable and convenient—it almost feels like a luxury private car.”
As Bengaluru rapidly expands its fleet of electric buses, commuters like Ghosalkar are experiencing a transformative shift in their daily travel. The benefits go beyond just sustainability—there’s a tangible improvement in comfort, convenience, and overall well-being.
Anuja Ghosalkar, who runs a theatre company based out of Bengaluru
commutes in an electric bus.
Mental and Emotional Well-Being
Beyond the physical benefits, the shift to E-buses has had a profound impact on drivers’ mental health. The stress of maneuvering heavy diesel buses through congested city roads, coupled with the noise and pollution, often left drivers drained.
“With diesel buses, there was always smoke coming from the back, causing inconvenience to people on the road. The noise was constant, and braking was difficult. It was stressful,” Javed recalls.
Electric buses, in contrast, provide a quieter and smoother ride. This not only makes the driving experience more enjoyable but also improves communication with conductors and passengers. The low noise levels inside the bus ensure that drivers remain calm and focused, contributing to safer road conditions.
A passenger waits to board an electric bus in Bengaluru city.
“I feel excited to come to work every day now,” Javed adds. “Driving an electric bus doesn’t feel like work. I don’t even feel the need to take leaves.”
Traditional diesel buses, while crucial for public transport, have long been associated with noise, vibrations, and air pollution. The transition to electric buses is changing that.
“The noiseless ride gives me a lot of peace of mind,” Ghosalkar explains. “I can work on the bus, take office calls, and stay productive during my commute.”
Noise pollution has been a significant issue in Indian cities, and E-buses offer a respite. Their quiet operation not only benefits passengers but also creates a more pleasant experience for pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.
Another game-changer is the elimination of exhaust emissions. Diesel buses have historically contributed to Bengaluru’s air pollution crisis, releasing harmful smoke and particulate matter into the air. Electric buses, running on clean energy, are making a noticeable difference.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, BMTC, E-Buses have saved 51,000 litres of diesel and prevented the release of 0.14mn kg of carbon dioxide emissions daily as of February 2025.
“The zero smoke means I can breathe fresh air,” Anu says. “Not just me, but the people of my city can now breathe fresh.”
Anuja Ghosalkar, a resident of Bengaluru city attends to her office
commitments during her commute in an electric bus.
Encouraging a Greener Bengaluru
India’s push for electric mobility is not just about reducing emissions—it is also about improving the quality of life for those who operate these vehicles and passengers who commute in them daily. With cities like Bengaluru leading the way, the transition to E-buses is proving to be a win-win for both drivers and the environment.
Javed’s story is a testament to the positive change electric buses are bringing. As more cities adopt this technology, drivers like him are finding renewed energy in their profession, proving that sustainable transportation is not just about cleaner air but also about healthier, happier people.
“We can all stop air pollution together,” the 25 year-old Javed says with confidence. “Number of Electric buses should increase, and I encourage the younger generation to be part of this movement. It benefits us all.”
An electric bus passes through the roads of Bengaluru city.
For citizens who have relied on public transport for decades, the shift to electric buses represents more than just a technological upgrade—it symbolizes a commitment to a healthier and more sustainable future.
“I am a proud Bangalore citizen, witnessing the E-bus movement taking big leaps,” Ghosalkar says.
With the success of E-buses in Bengaluru, India’s transition toward sustainable public transport continues to gain momentum. And for drivers like Javed and passengers like Ghosalkar, the road ahead looks smoother, healthier, and more hopeful than ever.
As more E-buses hit the roads, Bengaluru’s transition to clean and efficient public transport serves as a model for other cities. For drivers and commuters, the future of travel is not just about reaching a destination—it’s about making the journey cleaner, quieter, and more enjoyable