Hate to travel in BTMC buses in rain? You may want to change your mind

BMTC Shantinagar bus depot is testing buses for rain-proof Complaints of broken windows or leaking roofs are common among commuters The authorities are taking minute detail into consideration while repairing the buses

Travelling in Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses in monsoon is nothing short of cringe-worthy. The broken window panes, holes and cracks in the roof and worst, rusted windows make commuting during rainy season in BMTC buses - State's pride- a nightmare.

Incidents of people keeping their umbrellas open inside the bus to save themselves from leaking roof, broken windows or carrying plastic bags to save themselves from water-soaked seats are common among Bengalureans. Not just that, buses breaking down during monsoon have become the order of the day as majority of the buses are old and are not serviced regularly. When complained, conductors and drivers are rude enough to ask the commuters to get down. Even the BMTC helpline is always under maintenance, if one wants to complain. Yet, the authorities have always turned a blind eye to commuters' woes.

With monsoon arriving early, the BMTC does not want to take any chances this time. To prepare itself for the monsoon, the BMTC is testing at least 6,400 buses to make them rain-proof. The buses are being tested with artificial rains for any loopholes. At least 25 buses are making a trip to the depot to get the rain-proof certificate.

In fact, the BMTC is one of the successful state-managed transport providers in the country. Wtih a strength of over 6418 buses, it has close to 40,000 employees. The BMTC has been bagging many awards at the national level be it for promoting sustainable mobility or for the healthy workplace.