The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has officially launched its longest AC bus route, connecting Bengaluru with Tumakuru, a city approximately 70 kilometers away. This initiative comes amid growing discussions about enhancing connectivity between the two regions, with Home Minister G Parameshwara even proposing to rename Tumakuru as “Bengaluru North District.” The new Vajra Vistara AC service will operate 10 Volvo buses on route number V EX TMK-1, responding to public demand for comfortable inter-city travel. The fare for this service is set at ₹120, and the buses will collectively make 54 trips daily, with a frequency of about 20 minutes between services. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the service in Tumakuru, emphasizing its potential benefits for daily commuters and frequent travelers. Key stops along the route include prominent locations such as Navarang and Kyathasandra. BMTC officials have assured that this new service will not interfere with existing operations by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), as it is designed to complement, rather than compete with, their services.