Bengaluru has transformed into a global megalopolis with a population of 1.23 crores (2017). Over 72 lakh vehicles on the road makes it second only to Delhi in India. Bengaluru is today not just the Silicon Valley of India - it is the Silicon Valley of the world. Bengaluru has over 10 lakh people working in the IT industry (more than that of the Bay area!) across several large IT parks like Manyata Business Park, RMZ Eco World, ITPL and Electronic city-IT hub to name a few. Added to this, both new and existing IT companies are looking to set-up/expand operations in India. Several other Public Sector Units, as well as manufacturing companies also have a significant presence.
Brand Bengaluru's unprecedented success has added to the ever increasing traffic. The Bengaluru traffic police data shows a 7–10% annual growth rate in vehicular population. Every major road in the city is operating above capacity. The average travel speed has dropped to 7-8 kmph in peak hours. The 2015 BMRCL study has estimated the annual productivity loss due to traffic snarls at $3B i.e., INR 21,000 crores.
The solution is clear - we need to build on the Public transport platform to address some of the traffic issues. Bengaluru has an excellent public bus (BMTC) network. The bus service needs to be integrated with Metro, Suburban Rail, Taxis/Autos & bicycles to present a comprehensive multi-modal solution. IT parks should be encouraged to migrate to a Shared Transport System (STS) which has the potential to reduce more than 50% of the vehicle density in those parks.
Shared Transport System - Partnered by Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) & Samarpana
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