Air quality at 6 Bengaluru metro corridors improved over last four years: Study
India Today
As per the study conducted by the University of Bengaluru, the air quality in six Bengaluru metro corridors has improved over the last four years. The carbon dioxide emissions have also declined.
The Bengaluru Metro Project, commonly known as Namma Metro amongst the city residents, has significantly contributed to improving the city’s air quality over the years.
As per a recent study by the Department of Environmental Sciences, the University of Bengaluru has revealed that air quality around six metro corridors within the city has drastically improved over the period of 2017 to 2021.
Operated by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL), the rapid transit system was started with a vision to reduce traffic jams in the year 2011. It was also the first underground metro system to be started in the southern part of India.As per the report by the Times Now, the study was conducted across the six metro routes, all of which are a part of phase-II of the metro network, including Mysuru Road Terminal to Kengeri, Krishnarajapuram Byapanahalli to Whitefield, Gottigere to Nagawara, Puttenahalli Cross to Anjanapura Township, R V Road to Bommasandra and Hesaraghatta Cross to BIEC.
Dr Nandini N, Professor and Principal Investigator with Bengaluru University’s Department of Environmental Science was quoted as saying that Metro train services have gradually reduced the carbon concentration around the areas in which they operate.
She said, "If we take last one decade report also according to the Central Pollution Control Board, in the last one decade the pollution levels have come down. The air quality index shows that the air quality in some of the regions of Karnataka including Bengaluru is moderate. It is very clear the objective of the introduction of metro (BMRCL) is to improve the lifestyle of people, especially socio-economic conditions and it is eco-friendly and clean energy."
An official with the BMRL, Mr BL Yeshwanth Chavan, also affirmed the positive impact of the public transport system on the environment. He further added that the northern and eastern extension of the currently existing railway tracks would also be carried out in the near future.
"In addition, we are also looking at RV Road to Bommasandra to be opened within this year because the other line has got an underground section of 12 km that schedule is in 2024. Overall we have achieved 62 per cent of the progress," he stated.
