Bengaluru’s Traffic Woes: Myths and Realities

Bengaluru, often hailed as India's tech capital, faces a significant challenge in the form of traffic congestion. This city, which was once a tranquil mossy garden, is now battling with the notorious traffic conditions that rival even the busiest metropolises around the globe. Let’s dive into the reasons behind this traffic nightmare and explore potential solutions.

Introduction to Bengaluru’s Current Traffic Condition

Everyday, Bengaluru adds 1,300 new bikes and 409 new cars to its already crowded roads. Currently, it has 99.8 lakh vehicles, with 75.6 lakh 2-wheelers and 23.1 lakh personal cars. This number includes cabs, BMTC buses, outstation Karnataka buses, and trucks, along with various school/college buses, corporate buses, minivans, and more. Despite having most roads as six-lane roads, traffic jams are a regular occurrence. Even freeways in the United States experience traffic jams, something I’ve personally witnessed in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Why Bengaluru’s Traffic is Overrated

There is a common perception that Bengaluru experiences heavy traffic, but the truth is far from it. The major traffic jams are primarily concentrated along the IT corridor, including the outer ring road, Whitefield, and Bannerghatta road. In the core areas of Bengaluru like Jayanagar, Basavangudi, and Malleshwaram, the situation is much more manageable. The city is in the process of upgrading its infrastructure with the addition of more metro lines, flyovers, and underpasses. With the central government now stepping in, the traffic situation is expected to improve soon.

Root Causes of Traffic Nightmares

Lack of Peripheries

One of the primary reasons for the traffic congestion in Bengaluru is the lack of peripheral cities. In Delhi, Gurgaon and Noida are there, and in Mumbai, Pune serves as a peripheral city. But in Bengaluru, there are none. Mysuru was supposed to be developed as a peripheral city, but that did not materialize. This has led to an uncontrolled surge in population in the central areas of Bengaluru, putting immense pressure on the existing infrastructure.

Population Surge Without Infrastructure Growth

The IT boom in Bengaluru has led to an unprecedented population increase, which has outpaced the development of infrastructure. Due to the rapid urbanization and the influx of workers in the technology sector, the demand for essential urban facilities has surged. However, the infrastructure development has not kept pace with these demands, leading to a significant gap.

Governance Issues

Another underlying issue is the governance system. In Indian cities, including Bengaluru, the infrastructure development is often heavily influenced by political whims. Bangalore, being the capital city of Karnataka, suffers from the inconsistencies in governance. The infrastructure projects often get delayed or canceled due to changes in political leadership, making long-term planning and development a challenging task. To address this, Bengaluru should adopt a ‘mayor-style’ governance system, where one stable authority is in charge of the city's development. This could help streamline the approval and execution of infrastructure projects, leading to a more manageable and sustainable city.

Conclusion: A Call for a Mode Shift

One of the potential solutions to alleviate traffic congestion in Bengaluru is to shift the mode of commute. The existing infrastructure is not designed for the number of vehicles on the road, and building more roads or relying solely on public transportation might not be the answer. Focusing on non-motorized transport, such as walking and cycling, is the only viable solution. Companies and the government should provide incentives for employees to commute by foot and cycles. This not only reduces traffic congestion but also promotes a healthier lifestyle.

While Bengaluru faces significant traffic challenges, these issues can be addressed with proper planning, stable governance, and the adoption of innovative solutions. With the current efforts and the expected improvements, there is hope for a more manageable and sustainable future for Bengaluru.