Bengaluru’s Namma Metro achieved a significant feat on Wednesday, as it welcomed an impressive seven lakh passengers in a single day, marking a substantial upsurge in public transport ridership. The recent commencement of full operations on the Purple Line, which started earlier this week, played a pivotal role in boosting metro ridership.
In an Instagram post, Bengaluru Central Member of Parliament, PC Mohan, expressed his admiration, saying, “Congratulations, Bengaluru, on Namma Metro’s impressive 7,01,455 ridership yesterday, showcasing a commendable commitment towards sustainable urban mobility.”
Despite this remarkable achievement, the metro system is grappling with a surge in passengers during peak hours. Commuters are now urging authorities to enhance the frequency of trains to cater to the burgeoning demand. The Purple Line, which connects east Bengaluru to other parts of the city, has become a preferred mode of daily commute for many IT professionals in the region.
Recognizing the need to ease congestion and provide efficient transportation solutions, the Karnataka transport department has introduced 37 feeder bus services from the KR Puram metro station. These feeder buses will run from KR Puram metro station to the Outer Ring Road, a route often beset by severe traffic congestion, serving multiple IT parks.
The feeder bus service is designed to cater to the rush hours effectively. During peak hours, buses will be available every five minutes, ensuring a smooth and convenient commute. During non-peak hours, the frequency will be every eight minutes, providing flexibility to passengers.
Karnataka’s Transport Minister, Ramalinga Reddy, emphasized the government’s commitment to decongest Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road area. He announced plans for significant changes within the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) in the coming six months, including the acquisition of an additional 2,000 buses to enhance public transportation options in the city. He also urged those working in the east Bengaluru area to opt for public transport for their daily commutes.
As Bengaluru’s Namma Metro experiences this surge in ridership, efforts are underway to further improve and streamline the public transportation system to accommodate the growing demand for efficient and sustainable urban mobility.
Sources By Agencies
