In Bengaluru’s Whitefield, residents are raising their voices for the introduction of metro feeder bus services to address the glaring issue of last-mile connectivity. Despite being recently connected to the Namma Metro network, many commuters in the Whitefield area continue to face challenges in reaching the metro station from localities such as Doddanekundi, Varthur, and Balagere. The absence of adequate feeder services in these areas is compelling many to rely on private vehicles, cabs, and autos, thereby contributing to increased traffic congestion in a region already notorious for its gridlock.
The lack of effective last-mile connectivity solutions is a significant concern for residents who feel that the current public transport framework is incomplete. While the Namma Metro has certainly improved overall connectivity, it has not entirely solved the daily commuting challenges faced by Whitefield’s growing population. Many residents believe that the introduction of dedicated feeder buses by the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) could encourage more people to use public transport, thereby reducing the number of private vehicles on the roads and easing traffic congestion.
Over the past few months, local community groups and resident welfare associations have actively engaged with the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) to highlight the need for these feeder services.
Despite these efforts, the lack of progress has left many feeling frustrated and overlooked. Residents argue that the absence of feeder buses directly undermines the utility of the metro network, as it forces commuters to depend on less reliable and more expensive forms of transportation. “Without adequate feeder bus services, many of us have no option but to use our cars or hire cabs to reach the metro station,” said a resident of Doddanekundi. “This not only increases traffic congestion but also discourages the use of public transport, which defeats the purpose of having a metro network in the first place.” Such sentiments are echoed by numerous other residents who point out that Whitefield’s traffic woes are compounded by the reliance on private vehicles, which in turn exacerbates pollution and delays.
The need for a robust feeder network has never been more urgent. The recent expansion of the Namma Metro into Whitefield was expected to significantly alleviate traffic issues, yet the current situation reveals a gap in planning and execution. Experts suggest that feeder services are a critical component of any effective public transport system, providing seamless connectivity and making the metro more accessible to a broader demographic.
BMTC officials, however, have cited operational challenges and logistical constraints in introducing new feeder routes. Nevertheless, the persistent demand from Whitefield residents highlights the necessity for a swift resolution.
With Bengaluru’s rapid urbanisation, it is imperative that the city’s transport authorities adopt a proactive approach in addressing last-mile connectivity issues. The introduction of metro feeder buses would not only improve the efficiency of the metro network but also encourage a shift away from private vehicle usage, aligning with broader goals of sustainable urban development. As the call for feeder buses grows louder, it remains to be seen whether the BMTC will heed the demands of Whitefield’s residents. The introduction of such services would represent a significant step towards creating a more integrated and efficient public transport system, capable of meeting the needs of Bengaluru’s ever-expanding population. For now, Whitefield waits, hoping that its appeals for improved connectivity will soon be answered.
