Bengaluru: Fifteen years after its launch, Namma Metro has grown from a 7km stretch between MG Road and Byappanahalli to a 96km network of three operational lines and 83 stations. Metro currently carries around 10 lakh passengers a day, against nearly 30 lakh projected in the detailed project reports for the operational corridors by now. However, ridership has failed to keep pace with the expansion.
Arcadis-Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) Ltd has been appointed as the consultant at a fee of Rs 4.2 crore, excluding GST. The previous Bengaluru CMP, prepared in 2020, had set a target of increasing the share of public transport from 40% to 70% by 2035. The gap between the projection and actual patronage, despite worsening traffic congestion on roads, came up for discussion at a Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) meeting chaired by chief minister DK Shivakumar Thursday. Officials identified inadequate first- and last-mile connectivity as a key factor affecting ridership. With the state govt taking note of it and seeking corrective action, the directorate of urban land transport (Dult) is preparing a comprehensive mobility plan (CMP). The consultant has submitted the inception report, and traffic and transport surveys are now underway.
The state also introduced a transit-oriented development (TOD) policy in 2022, with an emphasis on multimodal integration and improved connectivity around transit hubs. In the first phase, proposals for 19 Metro stations on Green (11) and Purple lines (8) have been prepared at a cost of Rs 30.2 crore. The GBA executive committee, headed by Bengaluru development minister Krishna Byre Gowda, at its meeting on Sept 3, discussed the difficulties in providing feeder connectivity, particularly around stations located on Bengaluru’s narrow roads. Separately, BMRCL has proposed to GBA that it would provide Rs 125 crore for the induction of 500 mini-buses to be operated by BMTC as feeder services to metro stations. A joint survey by BMRCL and BMTC resulted in the relocation of bus stops closer to Metro stations, bringing the average walking distance down to around 100 metres. BMTC maintains that it operates regular bus services to all 83 Metro stations. Based on demand, dedicated Metro feeder services are currently available at 54 stations, with 255 feeder buses carrying an average of 1.5 lakh passengers a day. In the city, 29 Metro stations do not have feeder bus services. To further identify gaps and optimise feeder operations, a meeting chaired by the BMRCL managing director on Aug 21 decided to identify 10 major Metro stations for detailed study in the first phase. BMRCL is planning to open the elevated section of the 7.5km Pink Line from Kalena Agrahara to Taverekere on Bannerghatta Road by Sept-end.
Like several other Metro stretches opened in the past, accessing the stations could remain difficult due to the lack of footpaths at several locations, poor pedestrian infrastructure, garbage dumped on footpaths and roads in bad condition. However, years after these policies were introduced, they are yet to yield the desired results. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bengaluru | Silver Rate in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Petrol Price in Bengaluru | Diesel Price in Bengaluru | CNG Price in Bengaluru | LPG Price in Bengaluru Stay updated with the latest Bengaluru news.
DULT plans to improve Metro access through better pedestrian, cycling and shared mobility facilities, along with bus bays, pickup and drop-off areas. A GIS-based study is also underway to identify gaps and recommend new BMTC routes and feeder services based on commuter demand. BMTC was subsequently directed to procure buses measuring six metres or less for dedicated Metro feeder services. BMTC will also examine the feasibility of introducing premium bus services to technology parks in consultation with their associations. Dult will assess bus requirements, passenger origin-destination patterns, existing transit routes and schedules at these stations. The lack of bus shelters near Metro stations will also remain a concern. Residents have been demanding that authorities improve access to the stations before opening the line. Download the TOI App.