Bengaluru Launches Five New Bus Routes to Cut Congestion and Reduce Traffic Pressure
In a strategic effort to enhance urban mobility and relieve congestion, Bengaluru has introduced five new non-air-conditioned bus routes under its public transport network. Operated by the city’s transport authority, the routes target fast-growing suburban and semi-urban zones where traffic bottlenecks and last-mile connectivity remain major challenges. These new services are expected to offer more affordable and frequent commuting options for residents, helping bridge infrastructure gaps and boost the city’s push for sustainable mass transit solutions.
The new routes are strategically spread across Bengaluru’s expanding urban periphery to address high-demand corridors and underserved neighbourhoods. One such route, 301-B, now connects Shivajinagar to Kalkere via Coles Park, Banaswadi, and Horamavu Outer Ring Road, with two buses operating from early morning to late evening. Another key addition, route 301-C, links K Channasandra and Horamavu ORR via Jayanthinagar and Kalkere, also served by two buses throughout the day. These routes are specifically designed to serve commuters navigating congested areas with limited metro access. According to transit authorities, the aim is to relieve pressure on core city roads and reduce dependency on private vehicles. While Bengaluru continues to grapple with traffic overload, these targeted bus routes offer viable low-emission alternatives and create better connections to key hubs, especially for residents in the eastern and northeastern sectors of the city. The emphasis is also on improving first- and last-mile public transport reliability.
Further strengthening Bengaluru’s public transit grid, additional routes such as 328-HS, 221-KM, and 238-VB cover longer, high-demand corridors with increased bus frequency. The 328-HS route spans Budigere Cross to Sarjapur, traversing key suburban zones like Seegehalli, Kadugodi, Varthur, and Dommasandra with four buses. Route 221-KM, linking Kengeri TTMC to Magadi Bus Station, operates eight buses daily, offering reliable options through Kommaghatta and Tavarekere’s semi-rural belts. Meanwhile, the 238-VB route connects Majestic to Upkar Layout via Nagarabhavi and Vijayanagar with seven buses operating from dawn to late evening. These routes are designed to improve access to peripheral work and residential zones while supporting Bengaluru’s goal of reducing road congestion without additional private vehicle dependency. Experts suggest such medium-distance connectivity investments are crucial for balancing urban density with emerging outer-city growth. Together, these bus expansions aim to decentralise transport pressure and promote safer, timely, and more equitable commuting for thousands of residents daily.
Bengaluru’s rollout of five new non-AC bus routes signals a renewed commitment to resolving its urban mobility crisis through affordable, reliable public transport. As suburban sprawl intensifies and traffic remains a daily struggle, these targeted services fill critical gaps in connectivity and serve as scalable models for last-mile access. With a growing population and limited metro coverage, enhancing the bus network remains central to sustainable commuting. If backed by timely route extensions and consistent frequency, these new services can significantly ease congestion, reduce emissions, and improve daily travel for city dwellers across Bengaluru’s expanding footprint.
