English daily published in Bengaluru & Doha
Public transport: Helping hand needed
Nischith N | NT
Experts want the upcoming state budget to focus on improving the city’s public transport, as its revenues got badly hit during the pandemic. They also want the government to take up various user-friendly measures to make them attractive to commuters, Nischith N. reports
The transport sector is expected to play an important role in the post pandemic recovery, both as a facilitator of economic activity and as a direct contributor to the GDP growth. Thus, there is expectation from this year’s state budget, just a couple of days away, will set the future priorities for this sector. Activists demand that the budget should increase allocation for roads and transport sector, and focus more on the metro project and last mile connectivity.
The areas that need focus are strengthening the public transport system, over Rs 1,000 crore direct subsidies for Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), so that it can slash fares and expand its fleet, and timely completion of Namma Metro’s Phase II and III project. Other demands include allocation of funds and formation of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for the suburban rail project.“The exception is huge from upcoming state budget, as our long pending demand for the suburban railway needs to be boosted. Also a common mobility card for both Metro and BMTC users - which is ready but not inaugurated, conversion of existing diesel-run BMTC buses to electric on a lease basis and adoption of a non-motorised transport (NMT) policy to encourage pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, there is a need to set up a public bicycle-sharing system, bus priority lanes, better first and last-mile connectivity to and from Metro, railway stations and bus terminals. All these things should be given importance,” says Krishna Prasad, activist.
Bengaluru bus services network is extensive and even connects nearby towns such as Nelamangala, Devanahalli, Hoskote, Doddaballapur, Bidadi, Magadi, Anekal. On the other hand Bengaluru Metro has commissioned Phase-1 and Phase-2 under implementation for the last one decade and missed many deadlines.
The biggest challenge is that mass public transport systems are planned as stand-alone systems, which experts feel are causing big barriers for last mile connectivity. So it is also expected that city authorities like BBMP, DULT, UDD should work seriously with all different agencies to bring good last mile connectivity and also need funds for implementing these non motorized last mile connectivity.
“Infrastructure plays a vital role in the city development, but the high court had to remind the Government because of its ignorance. The government must give a lion’s share of its budget for improvement of city transportation. There is no connectivity within the city and even the commutation arrangement of the metro, without completing all lines, and providing more vehicles have proved to be costly,” says Purshotam P, Advocate.
BMTC is popularly known as the lifeline for the Bengaluru City and caters to 70% of the city’s commuter population. The dearth of buses and poor frequency has hit the citizens hard. But bad public transport pushes citizens to avail for private vehicles, which is both expensive and worsens traffic issues. Due to Covid-19 pandemic, the Corporation is running at a loss and is expecting a huge allocation in the state budget. Experts say that BMTC needs urgent state support to tide over the crisis. The corporation needs capital investments for increasing its fleet and providing frequent, reliable services. According to the reports, BMTC currently has a fleet size of 0.5 per 1,000 population whereas the national average is 1.2 buses per 1,000 people.So it is said that budgetary allocation should be made available every year for the purchase of new vehicles, construction of depots, and infrastructure needs. In addition, civic bodies should subsidise 50% of the total expenditure. Also as expenses incurred for social obligations such.
Bang alore Metro recently commissioned Phase - 2 extended lines on two sections. The commuter foot falls have been affected after the Covid pandemic. It also needs to sort out some of the pain points experience by the commuters, to boost patronage. More metrolines through CBD areas are needed and BMRCL should concentrate on the core city areas. “BMRCL should develop more metro or metrolite corridors rather than elevated corridors. To all this BMRCL needs support from the State government,” Purshotam said.
