BENGALURU (Metro Rail & Steel): In the wake of the full-fledged Purple Line inauguration spanning from Whitefield to Challagatta, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has significantly expanded its metro feeder bus services. With a staggering 76,468 daily commuters relying on these buses, the city’s transport infrastructure witnesses a pivotal shift as the metro network steadily expands.
Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, responding to inquiries during the winter session of the Assembly in Belagavi, disclosed the burgeoning popularity of the 134 feeder bus services. This surge in ridership underlines the critical role these buses play in addressing last-mile connectivity issues and catering to the needs of Bengaluru’s diverse commuter base.
The recent extension of feeder bus services aims to fortify connectivity between pivotal tech corridors, most notably the Outer Ring Road (ORR), and crucial metro stations. Senior BMTC officials confirmed the launch of routes connecting Hoodi Metro Station to K.R. Puram, J.P. Nagar station to J.P. Nagar 7th Phase, Jayanagar 9th Block round trip, Banashankari to BTM Layout (Kuvempunagar), Chikkabanavara to Nagasandra, and K.R. Pura Metro Station to Central Silk Board. These routes strategically cater to commuters navigating the tech hub along the Outer Ring Road and Kadugodi.
Minister Reddy emphasized the BMTC’s robust plans for further expansion, citing the addition of 38 buses, including both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned variants, operating across the recently established feeder routes. These developments align with the core objective of streamlining metro accessibility, particularly for the workforce employed in companies dotting the Outer Ring Road and the eastern and south-eastern sectors of the city.
“The BMTC is resolutely amplifying its fleet of feeder bus services in Bengaluru, focusing on seamlessly linking with metro stations,” stated Mr. Reddy in an interview with The Hindu. These concerted efforts mark a concerted push toward enhancing urban mobility and easing commuting hassles for thousands reliant on public transport within Bengaluru’s burgeoning landscape.
