Sustainable mobility in Bengaluru: Transformative steps to ease congestion and enhance air quality

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: Bengaluru has experienced unprecedented growth that has come at a significant environmental and social cost.

As we step into 2024, the city stands at a critical crossroads, grappling with issues like traffic congestion and air pollution.

November 2023's Air Quality Index (AQI) analysis reveals alarming readings in several parts of the city.

To ensure a sustainable future for Bengaluru’s mobility, a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach is imperative.

The challenge

Bengaluru’s traffic woes are a notorious aspect of daily life, costing residents valuable time and productivity.

Moreover, the city's air quality often plunges into the "unhealthy" category, posing severe threats to public health.

The root causes include the overreliance on private vehicles due to inadequate public transportation options, an overloaded bus network, and unplanned urban sprawl leading to longer commutes.

With nearly one crore registrations for non-transport vehicles, the city experienced a daily addition of 1,300 motorcycles, scooters, and 409 new cars in September 2023.

Avinash Chanchal, Campaign Manager, Greenpeace India said, “To truly tackle traffic congestion and pave the way for a sustainable future, Bengaluru must invest wisely in its public transport system.”

The approach

Expanding the metro network, improving bus connectivity, introducing efficient feeder systems creating safe cycling lanes, encouraging walking, and implementing bicycle-sharing programs can significantly reduce congestion and pollution.

Singapore's high private vehicle ownership costs, including purchase price, COE system, insurance, and expensive parking, offer lessons for Bengaluru.

Professor Ashish Verma Civil Engineering from IISc Bangalore advocates Karnataka's investment in public transportation to reduce private vehicle reliance.

Avinash added, “Investing in a robust public transportation network is crucial for long-term traffic solutions, as quick fixes like tunnels and road widening only provide temporary relief, promoting increased private vehicle usage and perpetuating congestion.

Implementation of these solutions demands collaboration between the government, private sector, civil society organisations, and the public.

Public-private partnerships can leverage resources and expertise to develop innovative mobility solutions.

Citizen engagement is vital to ensure an inclusive and equitable transition to sustainable mobility.

A healthier future

While the path towards sustainable mobility in Bengaluru may be challenging, the rewards are immense.

A city with less traffic, cleaner air, and healthier citizens not only enhances the quality of life but also fosters economic and social prosperity.

However, achieving this transition requires more than just infrastructure and technology; it demands a shift in mindsets towards shared spaces, collective well-being, and environmental sustainability.

Avinash Chanchal suggests individuals can contribute by choosing public transport, bicycles, or electric scooters.

He emphasises the importance of proper waste management and waste segregation to collectively address environmental concerns. Bengaluru has already taken steps towards sustainability with safe cycle parking spaces at metro stations.

This initiative promotes cycling, addressing the last-mile connectivity challenge and fostering a greener urban transport network.

During the inauguration of 100 non-AC Tata Motors Smart City Ltd buses at Vidhana Soudha, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on December 26, expressed that Bengaluru is anticipated to have 1,400 electric buses by April 2024.

These 100 e-buses are part of the 921 nonAC Tata Motors e-buses being introduced under the Central government's FAME-II scheme.

As Bengaluru explores various options, including road widening, public transportation improvements, and carpooling incentives, it is evident that a combination of measures with the involvement of all departments together is needed to alleviate traffic problems and make the city more sustainable.