Karnataka Transport Minister goes incognito on BMTC buses, orders action against staff
Karnataka Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh conducted an incognito inspection of Bengaluru's public bus system to evaluate service quality. He ordered the suspension of staff members after witnessing poor service and dereliction of duty during his commute.
Why it matters
This highlights efforts to improve public infrastructure and accountability in urban governance through direct ministerial oversight.
In a surprise late-night inspection, Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh travelled incognito, wearing a face mask, on more than 10 BMTC buses across Bengaluru on Saturday (July 11, 2026) to assess the quality of public transport services firsthand.
During the inspection, Mr. Suresh found a conductor and a driver allegedly derelict in their duties and recommended their suspension. A BMTC source told The Hindu that an enquiry has been ordered against the conductors and immediate action has been initiated.
The Minister boarded a bus travelling from Hebbal towards Nagashettihalli and asked the conductor to issue two tickets after handing over a ₹100 note. The conductor showed his bag, saying he didn’t have change, and asked the passenger to get off the bus if exact change was unavailable
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