REWIND 2023: Transport sector in Bengaluru makes significant strides

2023: Bengaluru strides forward in transport sector with metro expansion, Shakti scheme & suburban project. 100 crore rides logged under Shakti scheme. BMTC to induct 100 electric buses. Metro network expanded, connecting previously underserved areas. Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway inaugurated.

The year 2023 has been pegged as a landmark year for the transport sector in Bengaluru, which witnessed significant strides, especially with the metro expansion, the Shakti scheme, and the Bengaluru suburban project reshaping the city’s commuting landscape.

On June 11, the newly elected Congress government in Karnataka launched the first among five poll guarantees — the Shakti scheme, under which women can travel for free in non-premium services of State-run buses across Karnataka. Since its launch, the scheme has garnered positive reception from women passengers.

In November, the Shakti scheme achieved the milestone of logging over 100 crore rides. Till December 19, 117,65,72,568 crore women passengers have utilised the initiative to travel across the State. The cumulative value of tickets purchased by these women passengers amounts to ₹2,809,92,94,420.

In response to public demands for effective implementation of the Shakti scheme, State-run road transport corporations, including Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC, are gearing up to acquire additional buses in the early months of 2024.

This year, BMTC will induct 100 electric buses out of 921 buses that will be inducted in a phased manner. The government has approved adding 3,888 new buses to all RTCs.

Bengaluru’s metro system has been a beacon of hope for commuters. In 2023, the metro network expanded its reach, connecting previously underserved areas and offering a more efficient alternative to road transport. The extension of the Purple Line and the completion of Phase 2 have been instrumental in easing the burden on the city’s roads.

The uninterrupted connection between Challaghatta and Whitefield spans 37 stations, allowing commuters to traverse the entire distance in just 76 minutes. This hassle-free journey is accompanied by a fixed end-to-end fare of ₹60. Currently, Bengaluru’s metro system stands as the second-longest operational network in India, spanning a total of 73.81 km, trailing behind only the Delhi Metro.