Bengaluru may get ‘flying buses’ to ease traffic — but they won’t take off like aircraft

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India is considering futuristic transport solutions, including elevated “flying buses” and flash-charging electric systems, to combat traffic gridlock and pollution in major cities, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has revealed.

Gadkari was quoted by NDTV as saying that the government is evaluating 360 proposals, with pilot projects already in development for Delhi and Bengaluru. The focus is on high-capacity, eco-friendly alternatives that prioritise speed and passenger comfort.

Contrary to the name, “flying buses” are not aircraft but driverless electric pods running on elevated tracks. Gadkari described them as “double-decker bus-like pods,” each carrying up to 135 passengers. These systems, either suspended or rail-mounted, could drastically reduce road congestion.

“There are many technologies from the USA, European countries and Russia. We have already received 13 technology proposals,” Gadkari was quoted by NDTV. “But we have to ensure that they are economically viable. The technology must be proven and economically viable because we want to offer these services at a cheaper rate.”

One such pilot is planned in Nagpur, the minister’s constituency, where an elevated pod system is under consideration.

Another innovation is flash-charging electric buses, which recharge in under 30 seconds at stops using technology from Hitachi and Siemens. Gadkari explained that when the bus stops, the system activates and within half a minute, it’s charged enough to run 40 km.

These buses, modelled on luxury coaches, will include amenities like onboard hostesses and refreshments to encourage public transport use. Gadkari noted that Indian society now wants comfort, acknowledging the shift from traditional buses to premium options.

With India spending Rs 22 lakh crore annually on fossil fuel imports, Gadkari stressed the urgency of transitioning to cleaner transport. “The biggest problem is pollution,” he was quoted as saying. “Indian society is not giving priority to public transport.”