Karnataka initiates revision in transit-oriented policy in Bengaluru

Karnataka has initiated the process for executing the revised transit-oriented development (TOD) policy that intends to improve mass rapid transport corridors to reduce the requirement for personal vehicles in Bengaluru.

Additional chief secretary, urban development department, Rakesh Singh, told the media that they conducted a preliminary meeting and some more will follow before they get down to the execution stage.

TOD in Karnataka has been in the draft phase since February 2019. Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) had first issued a draft TOD policy two years back after the Centre framed guidelines for major cities on how to execute it.

Officials told the media that it could not be executed for practical and political purposes. Presently, the Directorate of Land Transport (DULT) has prepared an updated policy, which may shortly be put before the cabinet, they added.

MD of BMRCL, Anjum Pervez, told the media that they have rendered inputs to the new policy and made some modifications to the previous one. They are anticipating the government’s nod. As per the draft policy, the population of the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region is likely to increase from 9 million in 2011 to more than 20 million by 2031.

Presently, the share of public transport in the city is just around 48% and needs to be increased to 70. It can be attained by improving accessibility and mobility, which demands large investments to develop mass transit systems — Metro and commuter rail.

The president of CREDAI-Bengaluru, Bhaskar Nagendrappa, told the media that the advantages of TOD would be enormous as public ridership will increase when people can obtain jobs, education, healthcare, etc, easily by utilising the transit.

With the developing Metro rail connectivity, the city has scores of opportunities for transit-oriented improvement with good bus transportation.

The former president of CREDAI, Suresh Hari, told the media that establishing neighbourhoods nearby areas of transit will encourage walk-to-work and cycle-to-work culture and, thus resulting in lower pollution, higher foot traffic, healthier lifestyles, commercial businesses and reduced suburban sprawl. Though, some experts are still doubtful.

The director of Hoysala Projects, Monica Matthias, told the media that executing TOD in Bengaluru is a challenge due to several reasons. In the core city (Zone A), it is a challenge due to its high density and high property values.

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