59-year-old driver turns BMTC bus into nano-Lalbagh

BENGALURU: Passengers boarding BMTC bus (route no. 201), from Kaval Bylasandra to Yeshwantpur, are greeted by creepers and blooming flowers. The bus looks like a mini-garden, thanks to the efforts of Narayanappa K, 59, a driver who loves plants.
Narayanappa, who has been driving buses for 27 years, has been maintaining the plants for two years. There are four pots with creepers in front of the bus and four behind.

What inspired the man hailing from Kolar’s Mulabagilu taluk to nurture a garden in a bus? “My wife and children love nature and gardening. They have grown many plants around our house. Their passion encouraged me to grow plants in the bus I drive every day,” said the proud father of three girls.

A resident of KR Puram, Narayanappa buys plants from local nurseries. He visits GKVK campus whenever he needs to buy special varieties. “Every day, I go to the depot at 6.30am and water the plants. I do it again after my shift ends,” he said.

Narayanappa’s efforts are appreciated by passengers of all age groups. “Many say they feel pleasant during the bus journey because of the plants. Some even water the plants and call my bus a ‘Mini Lalbagh’,” he quipped.

Puspapreeya, a passenger, tweeted photos of the bus on Wednesday, which went viral on social media.

With Narayanappa due for retirement next year, passengers hope other drivers will take care of the plants. “I have already spoken to a newly appointed woman conductor and driver who will take over my route to take care of the plants,” he said.