Partial Pink Line opening unlikely to ease Bannerghatta Road traffic, say commuters and experts
Commuters and transport experts argue that the partial opening of Bengaluru's Pink Line will not significantly reduce traffic congestion on Bannerghatta Road. They contend that the lack of an operational underground section forces commuters to rely on other transport modes, rendering the short elevated stretch ineffective for daily office-goers.
Why it matters
Infrastructure projects often face public skepticism when phased rollouts fail to address the primary bottlenecks of urban transit systems.
Bengaluru’s long-awaited Pink Line is expected to begin operations in phases, with the 7.5-km elevated stretch between Kalena Agrahara and Tavarekere likely to be commissioned this month or the next. However, transport experts and commuters said the partial opening is unlikely to ease congestion on Bannerghatta Road.
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has completed the physical civil infrastructure and trial runs on the elevated section, which forms the southern portion of the 21.26-km Pink Line.
The stretch runs along Bannerghatta Road, covering several busy locations, including areas around the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), Hulimavu, Jayadeva hospital, educational institutions and IT parks.
While the opening could provide an alternative mode of transport for commuters travelling towards destinations such as Jayadeva Hospital and the IIMB, regular commuters believe its impact on road congestion will remain limited as long as the underground section is not operational.
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