Bengaluru's Traffic Fight: Measures and Calls for More Action
Bengaluru, one of India's largest cities, is continually striving to enhance its traffic situation. Recent initiatives and proposals aim to tackle congestion and boost mobility.
Bengaluru's traffic congestion has reached concerning levels, with peak hour commutes lasting 38 minutes 50 seconds in the morning and 41 minutes 59 seconds in the evening, according to the 2024 TomTom Traffic Index. The average travel time for a 10 km journey has increased to 34 minutes 10 seconds, up approximately 50 seconds year-over-year. Sabeer Bhatia, co-founder of Hotmail, recently criticized Bengaluru's traffic on his private X account, sparking a flood of reactions from frustrated commuters and entrepreneurs.
To address these issues, various measures have been implemented and suggested. Infrastructure developments include the expansion of roads and the construction of new traffic corridors, such as the Outer Ring Roads (ORR) and improved highways. The public transport system has also been enhanced, with the Bangalore Metro System being further expanded. Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS) have been introduced to optimize traffic flow, including adaptive traffic lights and traffic monitoring cameras. Mobility programs like the 'Bengaluru Mobility Project' aim to promote sustainable mobility and reduce car dependency.
Residents and businesses have proposed further improvements. They suggest expanding public transportation, enhancing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, promoting sustainable transport solutions like electric vehicles and shared mobility platforms, and utilizing smart city initiatives to optimize traffic flow in real-time.
Bengaluru's traffic congestion is a pressing concern, with commuters facing longer journeys during peak hours. Recent initiatives and proposals aim to improve the situation, but more needs to be done. Residents and businesses call for expanded public transport, improved pedestrian infrastructure, and the promotion of sustainable mobility solutions. The city's ongoing efforts to enhance its traffic situation are vital for improving the quality of life for its residents.
