Namma Metro in Bengaluru is set to provide enhanced connectivity for tech professionals along the city’s 17-km IT corridor. Once the entire Purple Line from Challaghatta to Kadugodi (Whitefield) becomes operational, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) will introduce 16 air-conditioned feeder buses between KR Pura Metro station and Central Silk Board Junction. This move is expected to significantly benefit the thousands of tech employees working in the area.
The Executive Director of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL), Kalpana Kataria, explained that BMTC will run these buses at a frequency of five minutes during peak hours and eight to 10 minutes during non-peak hours. These feeder services are intended to supplement the existing city bus services along this route. BMTC already operates 2,000 trips on the Outer Ring Road (ORR), which serves as a critical transportation artery in the city.
As part of a webinar on ‘Private2public’ organized by BPAC and WRI, Kataria also mentioned that the entire 43km Purple Line is on the verge of becoming operational. BMRCL has received safety authorization from the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) for the 2km stretch from KR Pura to Byappanahalli, one of the two remaining inoperational segments of the Purple Line. Safety inspections for the other segment, from Kengeri to Challaghatta, were conducted recently. Both stretches are expected to be launched together in early October.
With the full Purple Line becoming operational, ridership is anticipated to increase from the current 6.3 lakh passengers per day to over 7 lakh. Additionally, BMRCL is promoting non-motorized mobility by offering bicycle parking facilities at KR Pura, charging a nominal fee of Rs 10 for the entire day.
Furthermore, BMTC has identified another route for feeder services using non-AC buses. This 16km route starts and ends at KR Pura Metro Station and will provide efficient connectivity for passengers. Real-time bus timings will be displayed at the Metro station, and commuters can track operations using the Namma Metro mobile app.
Lastly, the 17km ORR bus-priority lane from KR Pura to Silk Board Junction, previously operational, will be restored by BMRCL after completing construction on the Blue Line. This initiative will further enhance transportation infrastructure and connectivity in Bengaluru.
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