Bengaluru Delays Relocating 110 Bus Stops Amid GBA Transition Challenges
Bengaluru commuters continue to navigate congestion challenges as the relocation of 110 bus-stops across the city faces significant delays. The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) jointly proposed moving bus-stops situated near traffic signals to improve road flow, but the transition from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has slowed implementation.
Officials note that the project, intended under a public-private partnership model, will involve bus shelter agencies and BMTC representatives in overseeing relocations. However, the administrative transition has paused progress, with new bus-stop assignments awaiting finalisation by the GBA. Experts emphasise that once approvals are complete, the project is expected to be expedited, improving commuter experience while reducing traffic disruptions.
Random stoppages remain a pressing concern for Bengaluru’s road network. Narrow corridors such as Lower Agaram Road and 80 Feet Road suffer from buses halting irregularly, often before or after designated stops, creating bottlenecks and affecting urban mobility. Congestion at key junctions like Balekundri Circle highlights the urgency of the initiative.Officials attribute part of the problem to encroachments at bus-stops by taxis and auto-rickshaws, restricting space for buses. Patrol vehicles monitor violations, issuing notices and fines to errant drivers, but these measures have had limited success in curbing irregular stoppages. Urban mobility analysts argue that better coordination between traffic authorities, local agencies, and public transport operators is critical to maintaining consistent bus services and reducing road congestion.
City planners also stress the importance of optimising bus-stop locations rather than adding new ones. With an average distance of 500 metres between stops, expanding the number of bus-stops could disrupt traffic flow without significant commuter benefit. Integrating the relocation plan with broader sustainable transport initiatives, including electric buses and dedicated corridors, could further enhance Bengaluru’s eco-friendly and equitable urban mobility framework.The relocation of bus-stops, while administrative in nature, is central to Bengaluru’s ambition to develop a zero-carbon, efficient public transport network. Addressing both infrastructure gaps and enforcement challenges is crucial for ensuring safer, cleaner, and more predictable city travel. Officials are expected to update the public once GBA finalises assignments, signalling a potential turning point for the city’s public transport operations.
