Pramesh S Jain
The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has suspended three conductors for allegedly diverting ticket fare amounts by misusing the UPI-based ticketing system,officials said on Monday.
The action follows routine inspections conducted by BMTC vigilance teams in December 2025,during which the conductors were found collecting passenger fares through their personal UPI scanners instead of the Corporation-issued devices.
Despite collecting payments privately,the staff allegedly issued official tickets,in clear violation of BMTC’s financial rules and ticketing procedures.
According to BMTC officials,a detailed inspection and departmental enquiry substantiated the allegations, prompting immediate disciplinary action.The accused staff have been placed under suspension pending further enquiry.
The suspended employees include Suresh (Token No. 9574)of Depot 23 in the North East Zone,who allegedly diverted Rs.47,257.
Manchegowda (Token No.3460),a driver-cum-conductor from Depot 3 in the South Zone,accused of diverting Rs.54,358.
Ashwak Khan(Token No.10151) of Depot 14 in the North East Zone,who allegedly diverted Rs.3,206.
BMTC has issued strict instructions to all depot managers to closely monitor the use of Corporation-issued UPI scanners and ensure full compliance with prescribed ticketing and revenue collection norms by operational staff.
In a bid to prevent such incidents in future,BMTC is set to implement a Dynamic QR-based UPI payment system, which officials say will offer a more transparent,secure, and full proof ticketing mechanism,strengthening revenue protection and public trust.
Transport department has also directed BMTC officials to initiate strict and deterrent action in similar cases going forward,emphasising the need for transparency, accountability,and safeguarding public revenue.
