ORR bus breakdown congestion is not a one-off; EV safety brakes pose a fresh traffic hurdle in Bengaluru

The BMTC bus breakdown on the Outer Ring Road (ORR) on Tuesday, which left hundreds of commuters stranded in a gridlock, taking more than two hours to cover a mere 6 km stretch, is not a one-off. According to Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) officials, the top safety brake systems of heavy electric vehicles (EVs), such as buses and trucks, are adding to Bengaluru’s infamous traffic problem.

Officials say air brake-related breakdowns have become a recurring problem in the city, posing a constant challenge for traffic management. For instance, a SWITCH electric vehicle broke down near Sanjaynagar in North Bengaluru again on Wednesday, bringing traffic to a standstill for nearly an hour.

Most BMTC electric buses operating in the city are equipped with air brake systems, which rely on a continuous supply of air pressure. In the event of a major air leak, the drop in pressure automatically applies the brakes and locks the wheels to ensure passenger safety, a spokesperson from an EV company explained.

While for the ORR incident, a company spokesperson claimed that their field officers reached the site promptly and resolved the issue.

“When the wheels lock, the brakes cannot be released until a technician trained to handle air leaks arrives on-site and unlocks them. These technicians, who work as field operators for the bus companies, often take time to reach the breakdown location. This delay means buses often remain stationary for hours, leading to prolonged congestion,” a senior police officer from the Northeast subdivision explained.

Under normal circumstances, police can tow stalled buses to clear at least part of the road and allow traffic movement. However, in cases where the wheels are locked, towing attempts fail, as the bus remains immobile despite efforts.

A senior officer from the West division added that such breakdowns are particularly problematic on narrow roads and in areas with poor connecting routes, where diverting traffic is nearly impossible. “On Tuesday, the combination of narrow lanes and limited connecting roads amplified the congestion,” he noted.

Challenges

According to the spokesperson, ongoing infrastructure projects have left many stretches littered with nails, stones, and other sharp objects, which often hit and damage the brake system and cause leaks. “Technicians must identify the leak and fix it using connectors or other methods, which can take 30–40 minutes,” he said.

Police explained that technicians typically take 20–40 minutes to reach the site, and repairing the leak can take another 30–40 minutes or more, extending the total delay to 70–80 minutes and worsening traffic congestion.

“There is a screw in the brake system that can be loosened to release the built-up air, which eventually unlocks the wheels. This method was used on the ORR to relieve traffic,” said the officer.

According to sources, traffic police have been trained in this technique and have successfully applied it in some situations. However, officers are often reluctant to attempt it themselves due to the risk of mishaps, preferring to wait for the company technicians to arrive.