Bangalore has become India's first city to receive an electric zero-emission bus. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy launched the environment-friendly Rs2.7-crore bus in the city on Thursday.

Mr. Reddy acknowledged that the electric bus is very expensive, but he stressed that it would likely prove to be a good deal in the long-term. He expressed hope that price of electric buses would likely come down in the future.

Speaking on the occasion of the official launch of the electric bus, the minister said, "The bus costs about Rs2.7 crore and this is expensive. But this is one bus in the entire country. Once the demand for the bus goes up and more people express interest in purchasing it, the rates are likely to come down."

The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) will operate the electric bus on a trial basis in the city for the next three months. During the trial period, it will run on various routes, starting with Majestic-Kadugodi route that will cost around Rs 80 per person.

Manufactured by Chinese coach manufacturer BYD, the 12-metre-long air-conditioned electric bus can accommodate thirty passengers and a wheelchair occupant. It is capable of travelling 250 kilometers on a single charge of 4-6 hours.