Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India, is currently witnessing an unusual sight: its once-bustling Vayu Vajra airport buses, a lifeline for many commuting to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), are running almost empty. This dramatic shift is a direct fallout of the ongoing IndiGo crisis, which has led to widespread flight cancellations since December 1, 2025. What was once a vibrant artery of public transport now echoes with the quiet hum of near-vacant luxury coaches, signaling a significant ripple effect across the city’s urban mobility landscape.
Financial Strain on BMTC’s Lifeline
The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC)’s affordable and efficient Vayu Vajra service has been particularly hard hit. Reports from December 2025 highlight a stark decline in passenger load, with some buses carrying as few as four occupants on specific routes from the city to the airport. This drastic reduction in footfall has translated into substantial financial losses for the BMTC, estimated to be around ₹50-60 lakh within just a week. Daily losses are hovering around ₹7-8 lakh, attributed to approximately 2,000 fewer passengers boarding these crucial airport-bound services each day. The impact of widespread IndiGo flight cancellations resonates deeply, transforming a once-profitable route into a challenging economic burden.
BMTC’s Unwavering Commitment
Despite the profound impact on revenue and the visible low occupancy, the BMTC has commendably chosen to maintain its regular Vayu Vajra schedules. Operating around 150 daily services and over 1,000 one-way trips to KIA, the corporation prioritizes the convenience of airport employees who rely heavily on monthly passes, as well as other essential travelers. While buses departing from the city towards the airport are largely vacant, inbound buses from KIA still carry some passengers—often those stranded or delayed and seeking reliable, affordable transport. This commitment showcases the resilience of public transport infrastructure even when faced with unforeseen disruptions. For many, especially airport employees, these services remain indispensable, a steady presence in an otherwise turbulent travel environment.
Vayu Vajra’s Road to Recovery and Innovation
This current scenario presents a stark contrast to the service’s recent past. As recently as November 2024, Vayu Vajra buses experienced a “remarkable turnaround,” setting a new ridership record by ferrying over 4 lakh passengers in a single month. Averaging 13,584 passengers daily, they generated over ₹11 crore in revenue, driven by a consistent rise in flyers and their economical pricing compared to expensive cab fares. The service, which began in early 2008, has consistently adapted, even integrating new **electric AC buses** into its fleet since August 2025, with plans to fully replace its diesel-powered fleet. This move towards sustainable and **smart city transport** underscores **BMTC’s** forward-thinking approach, even as it navigates temporary setbacks like the current **IndiGo crisis**. The vision for enhanced **urban mobility** remains strong, with **AI** possibly playing a future role in optimizing routes and managing unforeseen events.
The temporary lull in Vayu Vajra ridership due to the IndiGo crisis serves as a potent reminder of the interconnectedness of urban mobility systems. While BMTC faces significant financial losses, its unwavering dedication to maintaining essential services for Bengaluru commuters and airport employees is commendable. As the aviation sector recovers, the adaptability and strategic evolution of services like **Vayu Vajra**, particularly with the introduction of **electric AC buses** and the potential for **AI** integration in **smart city transport**, will be key to ensuring sustained growth and a return to full capacity. The future of reliable, **affordable transport** in **Bengaluru** continues to ride on the wheels of its dedicated **BMTC** fleet.
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