Bengaluru, India's technology hub, is taking concrete steps to strengthen its public transportation network. The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) have rolled out new bus stops near key metro stations to make daily commutes smoother and more reliable for residents.
New bus stops improve metro connectivity
Effective October 6, two new BMTC bus stops have been established outside Cubbon Park metro station, near entry gates B and C. The stop near Gate B serves buses on the Indian Express to Anil Kumble Circle route, while the stop near Gate C caters to buses travelling from Anil Kumble Circle to Raj Bhavan. This arrangement is designed to ease the transition between bus and metro services for daily passengers.
Additionally, a new bus stop near Tavarekere metro station will serve buses on the Dairy Circle to Bannerghatta and Jayadeva to Dairy Circle routes. BMRCL has encouraged metro passengers to use these new facilities to improve their overall commuting experience.
BMTC introduces automatic passenger counting system
In a separate move to modernise operations, BMTC is preparing to introduce an Automatic Passenger Counting (APC) system in 30 selected buses. The technology records the number of passengers boarding and alighting at different stops, helping officials identify busy stops, assess demand, and estimate ridership at any given time. This data will allow BMTC to plan services more efficiently and manage bus operations with greater precision.
Regional rail expansion plans take shape
The Karnataka government is also advancing a broader transport and infrastructure plan to address Bengaluru's growing traffic congestion. A proposal has been submitted for a 270-kilometre Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) network spanning three major corridors connecting Bengaluru with Tumakuru, Mysuru, and Kolar Gold Fields (KGF). Discussions are also under way on a proposed Mumbai-Bengaluru-Mysuru high-speed rail corridor.
Comprehensive master plan under discussion
On October 5, a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister DK Shivakumar discussed the preparation of a Comprehensive Master Plan for the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) area over the next 10 to 15 years. The deliberations focused on long-term regional development, transport infrastructure, and measures to address the challenges of rapid urban growth.
These initiatives, from improved bus and metro connectivity to passenger-counting technology and regional rail networks, reflect a serious commitment to strengthening public transport and enhancing mobility across Bengaluru and its surrounding regions.