Metro Marks 13 Years Of Transforming Commutes And Easing Traffic Woes

As Bengaluru’s metro system enters its 13th year on Friday, October 20, it does so with an impressive track record of enhancing the city’s quality of life and mitigating its notorious traffic issues. The 73.81-kilometer network, which now boasts an average daily ridership of 7 lakh passengers, has made a significant impact on the way Bangaloreans travel. The metro’s contribution to improving the quality of life in the city is palpable. By providing a reliable and efficient mode of public transportation, it has eased traffic congestion and reduced travel times for commuters. The daily commute has become less of a hassle for countless residents, leading to improved air quality and a less stressful daily routine. The success of the recently inaugurated All Purple Route from Challaghat to Whitefield Kadugodi serves as a testament to the metro’s popularity. With the addition of this 4.15-kilometer extension on October 9, daily ridership immediately surged to over 1 lakh passengers. The next major milestone for the metro is scheduled for February 2024 when the RV Road-Bommasandra route, passing through Electronics City, is set to become operational. The ambitious expansion plan envisions a network of 175 kilometers by June 2025, and an even more extensive 314 kilometers by 2041. Bengaluru Traffic Division Joint Commissioner M.N. Anucheth reports a significant reduction in traffic congestion at Baiyappanahalli, Benniganahalli, Tin Factory, and Lori junctions just four days after the full purple line’s commencement. Additionally, traffic jams have notably disappeared at KR Pura Junction. The integration of feeder buses from the metro stations has contributed to this positive change, with expectations of a daily ridership of 10 lakh once the RV Road-Bommasandra route becomes operational.