Over the next five years, the state government will phase out diesel buses deployed for public transport in Bengaluru, deputy chief minister G Parameshwara said on Tuesday, giving hope to citizens long complaining about rising pollution.

The city will, instead, have electric buses for public transport, Parameshwara, who also holds the Bengaluru development portfolio, said after opening the eighth edition of ‘Bus World India 2018’, an exhibition of buses here at the international exhibition centre near Peenya. Companies including Tata MotorsNSE 0.52 %, MG Automotives, Force Motors and Olectra (formerly Goldstone) showcased their latest passenger vehicles and innovations during the event.

“Over 70 lakh vehicles use Bengaluru roads every day and our roads were not built to take so much of traffic load. We require an efficient public transport system including buses. There is a proposal with our government to replace all buses with electric buses in about five years,” Parameshwara said.