Elevated Corridor: Solution or a problem?

We all know about the traffic problems of the Bangalore city and it's suburbs. There are many instances in the past wherein many different steps were taken in order to overcome the problems created due to traffic. Bangalore's population seems to be ever rising and it needs a proper discipline. And, talking about discipline, it's something which is needed only when there's a lot of people, right? 

The Government of Karnataka has been thinking of many solutions in order to properly manage traffic and has come across the project of Elevated Corridor. For those who don't know, Elevated Corridor project is laid out by Urban Development Department(UDD) in order to overcome traffic problems. EC consists of 6 different corridors and will spawn over 100 kilometres within the city and is expected to be completed by 2025. This project will cost around ₹25,000 crore including land acquisitions. The project feasibility report was prepared by Karnataka Road Development Corporation Ltd. (KRDCL), the aim of the project is to, "ensure safe, fast and congestion-free connectivity to different parts of the city."

Proposed corridors of EC

This project was planned long back and was heavily opposed by many citizen organisations, but, it is on the drawing boards again. Bangalore is a city which is experiencing exponential growth in the recent years and traffic management is something which is needed badly for any such city. And, one thing that has to be noted is that Bangalore isn't the only city which has seen rapid and exponential growth in the World. Many cities have experienced this including NCR-Delhi. At the beginning, they too built flyovers and underpasses, but, later understood that building flyovers and ECs like this isn't going to help. They may give temporary relief, but, they're not the permanent solutions. This project has churned heated debates and why not? Basically, by any logical definition, spending ₹25,000 crore can't be called 'development' at the first place.

Building roads and railways are really good indicators of development, but, when it comes to true feasibility, a city like Bangalore needs more than just roads and flyovers. Already, a lot of public money is spent on widening of roads, white-tapping and other stuff, which just indicates that roads need maintenance. EC isn't the first flyover kind road built in this city, but, there are already a lot of flyovers, bridges and underpasses, but, there's very few, in fact, as less as zero evidence to prove that these have turned helpful in order to provide congestion-free transport. In fact, this will in turn promote use of private vehicles and transport and thus causing more traffic congestion. The city's major concern should be to move the people, not the vehicles, but, roads like this will just move the vehicles. According to the study done by Ashish Verma and Hemanthini Allirani IISc, EC isn't going to solve the traffic crisis of this city and it's clearly evident that the city needs a lot more than that!  For example, the KR Puram ORR junction carries 5746 passenger car units(PCU) per hour while the present road's capacity is just 2700. If the EC is ready by next year, EC can carry 6900 vehicles, but, looking at the trends, the vehicle volume will go up to 6900 and since the project is going to be finished by 2025, by then, the vehicle volume will cross 9500 units, but, the road capacity will be constant at 6900. The report has also talked about more sustainable solutions like mass rapid transport system like Namma Metro. Namma Metro has been really promising all these years and Metro corridors along the proposed EC network will be a more feasible solution, according to the report.

Traffic growth rate at KR Puram

This is just about one junction, but, there are even other junctions like Jayadeva junction, Silk Board which have more congestion. A majority of roads recorded daily volumes of over 90,000 passenger car units (PCU) against a capacity ranging between 1,200 and 5,400 PCU as prescribed by the Indian Road Congress.  According to the feasibility study, the elevated corridors can help cut congestion by bringing the peak-hour PCU below the prescribed capacity. For instance, the total peak-hour PCU on the Krishnarajapuram-Goraguntepalya stretch is projected at 60,801, of which two-thirds will ply on the elevated corridor while decongesting the road below. The elevated corridors will be designed for vehicles to move at 50-80 kmph promising a 45-minute ride anywhere in the city, the study states. It was also told that as many as 3600 trees will be cut down to make Elevated Corridors. 

Now, Bangalore is facing the traffic issues more than ever before and if no step is taken to plan properly, it'll be a major problem in the future. Bangalore has more than 85 lakh private vehicles and at least 3000 add daily to this huge, never-ending list. But, there's no space to add a new bus, according to them, not even an inch! A bus can carry almost 6.9 times more people than a car, in the same space as that of a car and in Bangalore, a few(6500) busses carry more than half of the city's population. And, these vehicles account to more than 45% of emissions in the city, which, of course deteriorates the quality of life in the city. Now is the time we reset our views of 'development' in terms of roads. These roads and flyways will just be for vehicles and not passengers, but, the roads are supposed to be built in such a way that pedestrians are given the utmost importance, then cyclists and then the vehicles. 

Namma Metro, passing through a congested road in Bangalore

What do the people need in a city like this? People just need a proper mean to reach point B from point A, with less hassle possible. So, it's all about moving people. If a person is given of a hassle-free and viable mean of moving from A to B, (s)he'll be more than happy to take that route. There's no Rocket Science involved. And, if ownership, maintenance and other things related to owned vehicles become costly, people refrain from using private vehicles and they start using public vehicles. There's no Rocket Science involved in this. Also, roads involve very high maintenance and they're tend to wear off over time. This will need further money. 

The another problem of the city is that most of the people think that having car will add up to their prestige and 'level' in society, which absolutely makes no sense. Why does a person need vehicle basically? To move around, not to show-off. I'd like to tell a few things to everyone like this. If you've seen developed countries like Singapore, Malaysia, one will hardly find people travelling through private vehicles, but, they prefer public transport. Why? Because, they've more feasible, viable and commuter-friendly systems. What people need is a feasible way to transport and this is what the Government has to concentrate on. 

Roads of Bangalore resemble parking lots almost all the times, especially during peak hours and off peak hours are no exception. There has to be a proper balance between mass transport system and private vehicles and this is the time we need it the most in Bangalore. The only real public transport systems in Bangalore are Namma Metro and BMTC. But, Namma Metro, which was the second largest Metro network in India just one year back, is now the fourth largest in India, because of seriously slow paced civil work. New networks of Chennai and Hyderabad Metro overtook Namma Metro. 

So, what's the true solution? As mentioned a lot of times, the true solution will be obtained when the Government starts thinking of the way to move people and not vehicles. Namma Metro work has been started for the second phase and more importance has to be given to complete it quickly. What about suburban railway? Indian cities like Mumbai, Chennai, even Hyderabad has it's own suburban railway and this has reduced the congestion dramatically. But, when it comes to Bangalore, there's ample Rail network already available, but, there's no railway coaches and engines to start suburban railway. As of now, it's possible to start suburban railway with existing railway lines, adding some stations and Bangalore should start to plan a proper suburban rail network for the city along with Namma Metro. Namma Metro and suburban railway will be more than enough to cater the travel needs of this city, if they're planned and implemented properly. Until these projects are completed, there's no need of any new road projects. Because, as mentioned, move people, not just vehicles. And, public transport isn't for poor people, it's for everyone. 

So, do tell me about your views on this and if EC and EC-like projects are to be given importance and precedence over mass public transport or not. Do like, share and comment this and if you've any suggestions, please do feel free to use the comment section. 

Namma Metro, Bega Katro!

Namma Metro, the promising rapid transit

As we all know, Bangalore is a congested city(Literally!). Bangalore badly needed a way to decongest it's roads, which are often congested to such an extent that these roads look as if they're parking lots! As we all know, Bangalore's population and growth are at the peak and looks like it's not gonna stop, at least not in near future. When people accumulate, the city hardly grows, but, because of less space and more moving people, roads get congested and Bangalore isn't the only city which is experiencing this. In fact, cities have experienced worse circumstances than this!

Bangalore, the Garden City, hasn't been that anymore. Road widening, white-tapping have become day-to-day affairs. And, according to a (disturbing) stat is that everyday, 3000 new vehicles are turn on road in Bangalore and along with the number of people, number of vehicles is also rising exponentially. The reason behind increasing number of vehicles? People want to move, that's all. So, isn't there any other way of moving people around in this city? If we think of this question, only one answer comes to all our minds, Namma Metro!

Namma Metro is the mass rapid transport system serving the city of Bangalore. Also called as Bangalore Metro, it started operation 20th October 2011, around 7 years ago. The planning for Namma Metro started as long back as May 2003. The report for Phase 1 of Namma Metro was prepared by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation(DMRC). The construction work was to start from 2005, but, it was postponed to February 2006 due to change in Government in Karnataka. This was just the beginning of delays. The project's Phase 1 was approved in April 2006 and civil work for the first stretch of Namma Metro measuring 6.7km, with 6 stations(Mahatma Gandhi Road-Baiyyappanahalli) was flagged off in April 2007, almost one year later and was opened to public on 20th October 2011, almost 8 long years since inception of plan. Not even one station was open for public use in March 2010, which was the first deadline to complete Phase 1, consisting of 2 lines, 41 stations and 42.3km in length. This was just the first deadline missed and only one segment(stretch) was opened almost one and a half year post-first-deadline. During the beginning of civil work, the Phase 1 was budgeted at ₹5400 Crores. But, when completed, in 18th June 2017, ₹11609 Crores was the total cost and the estimated cost was revised 4 times. By this time, the completion of Phase 1 missed 9 deadlines and was finished 7 years late than planned at the beginning! 

Namma Metro, Phase 1

So, assessing the current network of Namma Metro, it consists of 2 colour-coded lines, Purple(East-West) and Green(North-South) lines, with termini at Baiyyappanahalli, Mysuru Road, Nagasandra and Yelachenahalli. These two lines intersect at Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Station, Majestic, which is the city centre of Bangalore and houses Bangalore's bus terminal. Majestic Metro Station is the largest in Asia. Right now, Metro experiences a footfall of 4,00,000 people a day. Phase 1 covers only a few of the very major locations in Bangalore and locations like KR Puram, Whitefield, Koramangala, Airport Road, Silk Board etc. are still unserved. This makes Metro not that effective, even after Phase 1's completion. This also means that there's no change in congestion in these areas of the city. Also, the existing lines have majority of 3-coach trains, these will be seen packed all the time. Only 5 trains are equipped with 6 coaches, which are run only during peak hours and during peak hours, one 6 coacher on Green and 4 on Purple Lines are not enough to cater the needs. BEML is responsible to add 3 coaches every month and according to that, Namma Metro should have been equipped with all 6 coachers, which, of course isn't the case. So, despite 42km long network, congestion doesn't seem to be reducing, neither on roads, not in Metro trains! 

If we look at where our Metro stands in the country, it was the second largest Metro Network in India, next only to Delhi Metro, just a year back. But, now, due to missed deadlines, snail-paced construction of Phase 2, Hyderabad and Chennai Metros occupy the top positions, pushing Namma Metro to number 4 in India. 

Current Namma Metro and Indian Railways Network in Bangalore

Talking about Phase 2, it'll be looking forward in order to decongest some more areas of the city. Phase 2, will have 3 more lines(Tentatively Red, Yellow and ORR) along with extension of 2 Phase 1 lines. The Green Line will be extended from Nagasandra(Hesaraghatta Cross) to Bangalore International Exhibition Centre(BIEC) in the north, from Yelachenahalli to Anjanapura Township in the south. The oldest line, Purple line will be extended from Baiyyappanahalli to Whitefield in the east, from Mysuru Road to Kengeri in the west. The new lines will be:

1. Red Line(Gottigere(Bannerghatta Road)-Nagawara(Outer Ring Road)-Airport): This will offer interchange with upcoming Yellow Line at Jayadeva Hospital Junction, Purple Line at Mahatma Gandhi Road. This will include (tentatively) 18 stations and will be mostly underground until Nagawara and further extension to Airport is still in paper.

2. Yellow Line(Rashtreeya Vidyalaya Road-Bommanahalli(Hosur Road)): This 18.8km long line will have 16 elevated stations including RV Road which acts as terminus and offers interchange with Green Line, Jayadeva Hospital Junction(Red Line), Silk Board(ORR Line). This will pass through one of the busiest areas in Bangalore, through Silk Board, which is often referred to be the busiest junction in Bangalore. 

3. ORR Line(KR Puram-Silk Board): This will cover a stretch between the termini, which also act as interchange stations along Outer Ring Road, which experiences heavy traffic jams everyday. 

Namma Metro, Phase 2

Phase 2 was approved on 30 January 2014 by Union Cabinet and will add up almost 121km to the existing network. But, different governments at state and centre adds up to the woes of Namma Metro, which has been sloppily slow since inception. Before, 2020 was set as the deadline for completion of Phase 2, but, later, it was postponed to 2022 and as of now, it looks as if the work won't be complete till 2024, at the best. 

Namma Metro, Phase 2, in a nutshell

So, what're the reasons for this? One thing is that there are always different governments at state and centre. The other thing is the state government's wish to construct Elevated Corridors and other flyovers which are not at all sustainable. The government is looking intended to build ways to move vehicles, instead of people, which, obviously isn't what needed. Other projects like Elevated Corridor has adverse effects on civil work of Phase 2. The added woe is the presence of existing flyovers. Another major issue is sub-contracts by the contractors awarded the tenders. 

Silk Board Metro Station(Yellow/ORR Lines)

Current situation at Silk Board Jn.

So, Namma Metro doesn't stop there, but, there's also a planned Phase 3 which will further improve mobility in the city. 

At times, the snail-paced civil work creates more traffic issues than ever before and this is a major concern, which can only be solved if the civil work gets proper funding and the work completes in time. Namma Metro is more known for missing deadlines than to connecting the city. If we compare Namma Metro with Delhi Metro, constructed and operated by DMRC, Namma Metro stands nowhere near, when it comes to efficiency, connectivity and fast-paced civil work. Delhi Metro has been seeing growth everyday, rapidly than Namma Metro, this is clearly evident as Delhi Metro has extended existing lines 5 times in the last 4 years, adding many more stations. The longest, fully-operative line of India, Blue Line(Delhi Metro) measures longer than the entire network of Namma Metro. Even Yellow Line of DMRC has covered more length than Namma Metro network all together. This comes as a warning sign for Namma Metro. 

Overall, Namma Metro has shown a lot of potential in past few years and it's our responsibility to use it, let it grow and decongest our roads by moving people. Namma Metro is known for slow pace and nothing else, but, it's left to governments to make it known as a sustainable, efficient, effective and reliable mode of transport for the commuters of the Garden City. So, the name is pretty opt, Namma Metro, Bega Katro(Namma Metro, construct quickly!).