Karnataka Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh Goes Undercover on BMTC Bus, Suspends Driver and Conductor Over Service Lapses (Watch Video)
Karnataka's Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh went undercover on Bengaluru's BMTC buses on Saturday night, blending in as an ordinary commuter to experience the city's public transport system firsthand. What began as a routine bus journey quickly turned into a dramatic reality check, exposing service lapses that led to immediate disciplinary action.
Karnataka's Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh went undercover on Bengaluru's BMTC buses on Saturday night, blending in as an ordinary commuter to experience the city's public transport system firsthand. What began as a routine bus journey quickly turned into a dramatic reality check, exposing service lapses that led to immediate disciplinary action.
Driver, Conductor Suspended For Skipping Bus Stop
Travelling incognito for nearly two hours across more than 10 BMTC buses, the minister witnessed several issues that regular commuters often complain about. The most serious incident occurred when a BMTC bus allegedly failed to stop at the Fun World bus stop despite a passenger signalling to get down. Acting on the spot, Suresh ordered the suspension of both the driver and conductor. KSRTC Bus Rate Cut: Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation Slashes Premium Bus Fares by up to 20% for Weekday Travellers, Check Details.
Karnataka Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh Goes Undercover On BMTC Buses
Conducted a surprise field inspection by travelling on BMTC buses across Bengaluru to assess commuter experience firsthand. Ensuring safe, reliable and accountable public transport remains our highest priority.@BMTC_BENGALURU#BMTC #Bengaluru #PublicTransport #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/uyFOqsuwmd
— Byrathi Suresh (@byrathi_suresh) July 12, 2026
Minister Faces Common 'No Change' Commuter Problem
The undercover inspection also put the minister in the middle of a familiar commuter grievance. While travelling on a Hebbal-Nagashettyhalli route bus, he reportedly handed the conductor a Rs 100 note to buy tickets. The conductor, citing a lack of change, allegedly asked him to get off the bus instead of issuing tickets, giving the minister a firsthand experience of a problem faced daily by many passengers. Bengaluru Auto Driver Accepts Two Rides Simultaneously on Different Apps; User Posts Screenshots on X.
Minister Also Steps In Over Auto Fare Dispute
The inspection did not end with the bus ride. After getting off at Nagashettyhalli, Suresh intervened in a dispute involving an auto-rickshaw driver who allegedly demanded Rs 36 even though the fare meter displayed Rs 30.
More Surprise Inspections To Follow
Calling the exercise a reality check, the Transport Minister said surprise inspections would continue across Bengaluru to strengthen accountability, enforce discipline among transport staff and improve the commuting experience for passengers. The undercover operation signals a tougher approach by the Karnataka government towards ensuring better standards in the city's public transport system.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 12, 2026 01:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
