Bengaluru Traffic Overhaul BBMP Shifts 52 Problematic Bus Stops
In an effort to address long-standing traffic congestion and improve road safety, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has launched a strategic project to relocate 52 bus stops identified as unscientific and problematic for traffic flow. This initiative follows a joint survey conducted by the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP), aimed at enhancing the city’s road infrastructure. The relocation of these bus stops is expected to significantly alleviate congestion, improve safety for both commuters and pedestrians, and ensure smoother traffic movement across key locations.
According to BBMP’s Chief Civic Commissioner, Tushar Giri Nath, the work to shift the identified bus stops is already underway, with efforts expected to be completed soon. Many of these bus stops, placed in key areas such as Yelahanka, Bannerghatta Road, and Silk Board junction, have long been causing obstructions to traffic flow, posing risks to both motorists and pedestrians. For instance, the Thirumala Dhaba bus stop in Yelahanka has been flagged for its dangerous placement right at a crucial turning point, making it challenging for drivers to navigate the area safely. Similarly, other locations like BEML Gate in Malleshpalya have also drawn criticism from both residents and commuters, with concerns about long signal wait times and lack of adequate bus shelters.
Public Concerns and Challenges Faced by Commuters
Over the years, complaints from both commuters and bus drivers have highlighted the inconvenience caused by poorly placed bus stops. For example, BMTC bus drivers, particularly those operating new electric buses, face difficulties stopping at bus stands located in heavy traffic areas. As bus doors refuse to open until the vehicle is fully stationary, drivers are often met with frustrated honking from vehicles behind them. On major roads like Bannerghatta Road, bus stops at Johnson Market, Mico Signal, and Dairy Circle have further compounded traffic bottlenecks. Ravi Prasad, a retired central government employee, recounted how the bus stop at Thirumala Dhaba has made driving hazardous due to poor visibility and traffic congestion in the area.
Similarly, residents like Vismitha K., a Malleshpalya local, have raised concerns over the unscientific bus stop placement at BEML Gate. The bus stop, situated at a signal, not only creates inconvenience for commuters but also exacerbates the traffic woes of the area. Despite being located near tech parks and key industrial areas, no adequate infrastructure such as bus shelters has been set up, contributing to a sense of neglect in these high-density zones. The BBMP’s efforts to address these issues through relocation of bus stops, however, come as a much-needed intervention in reducing commuter frustration and improving city traffic management.
Shifting Bus Stops for Smoother Traffic and Pedestrian Safety
The issue of bus stop placement has been a topic of discussion since 2015, but it took a more systematic approach in 2024 when the BTP and BMTC conducted a comprehensive survey to identify 52 problematic stops. The findings have led to concrete action, including the relocation of bus stops in areas like Goraguntepalya and Hebbal, two critical traffic hubs in Bengaluru. Though some of the bus stops cannot be moved due to spatial constraints, the city is committed to making strategic shifts to improve road safety. According to M.N. Anucheth, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), the new locations will be planned with careful consideration to traffic management and pedestrian convenience.
In addition to moving the bus stops, another measure undertaken to ease congestion is the creation of designated bus bays. While bus bays have been set up in some areas to allow buses to pull off the main road, there have been frequent reports of bus drivers bypassing these bays and stopping on the road itself. This habit has raised concerns, particularly in areas like Mehkri Circle, where buses blocking the main road create further traffic delays. Regular commuters like Vaishali S.R. have expressed frustration with the inefficiency of these bays, which are rendered ineffective when buses fail to utilise them properly.
Sustainability in Urban Transport: A Step Towards Efficient Mobility
The relocation of bus stops also forms part of a larger strategy aimed at enhancing the sustainability of urban transport. Traffic congestion, often exacerbated by unscientific infrastructure, contributes to increased fuel consumption, higher emissions, and a general reduction in the quality of urban air. By improving traffic flow and reducing unnecessary delays, these changes will not only improve commuter experience but also positively impact the city’s environmental footprint. More efficient transport systems are an integral part of building a sustainable and liveable urban environment, with reduced carbon emissions and better air quality.
Ultimately, the BBMP’s effort to shift these 52 bus stops is a step in the right direction for Bengaluru, a city grappling with rapid urban growth and its accompanying challenges. It underscores the importance of continuous urban planning, as well as the need for both the authorities and citizens to work together to foster a safer and more sustainable environment. If executed effectively, this initiative could serve as a model for other rapidly expanding cities in India facing similar traffic and infrastructure challenges.
