The State government has proposed to establish an apex body — Integrated Road Transport Authority (IRTA) — for a ‘comprehensive’ reform of Bengaluru's transportation service. The authority, headed by the chief minister, will coordinate with various agencies, like BMRCL, BMTC, BDA, BBMP, to ensure a smooth commuting experience for citizens.
A senior IAS official said that work on the draft rules has already started. The government is also contemplating giving financial power to the authority to make it more effective.
“The main aim of the authority is to achieve coordination between various agencies in the city. It will take a holistic approach towards making public transport more effective. Efforts are on to frame rules, and discussions will be held with various stake-holders. We are also studying how these system work in Singapore, London and other cities,” said the IAS official.
The authority is expected to resolve issues such as common mobility cards and integrating transport hubs.
₹100 crore for BMTC
In another major decision, the State government has come to the aid of the cash-strapped Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) by providing direct subsidy of ₹100 crore. The BMTC has been incurring a huge loss for consecutive years due to rising fuel cost and increased staff salary. In the last five years alone, it has incurred losses to the tune of over ₹600 crore.
Metro line extension
The chief minister announced that a study has been undertaken to extend the metro line by 95km under Phase III. There is a proposal to build a line from J.P. Nagar to K.R. Puram (42.75 km), Tollgate to Kadabagere (12.5 km), Gottigere to Basavapura (3.07 km), R.K. Hegdenagar to Aerospace Park (18.95 km), Kogilu Cross to Rajankunte (10.6 km) and Ibalur to Carmelaram (6.67km).