The Banglore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) is planning to adopt integrated commuting network that will allow the bus and train commuters to get down at their stop.
In this way, the commuters will be able to easily walk to their destination without taking help of another vehicle. The new plan is a part of the draft transit policy for Bengaluru that BMRCL came up with recently.
In the case walking is not an option, then the commuters should at least be able to use a feeder service or take help of another transit network without having to wait endlessly.
In its Bengaluru Transit Oriented Development policy, BMRCL said that such an integration of the network will make the IT city of India more resilient and liveable.
Reorientation Of Revised Master Plan 2031 Is Must
According to the draft policy, for proper implementation of the above plan, it is important to reorient the Revised Master Plan 2013 to the principles of transit-oriented development (TOD).
As per the new policy, “TOD is the development of concentrated nodes of high mixed land use density within 5 to 10 minutes of walking distance from the mass transit stations which are well integrated with a bicycle, pedestrian, transit networks, and feeder.”
BMRCL aims to develop neighborhoods in such a way that they can have better access to mass-transit points irrespective of whether it is a metro, suburban rail or a bus. The draft policy says, “In this regard, a separate chapter on TOD shall be included in RMP-2031 (draft) outlining the strategies for TOD-supported development control regulations without any ambiguity.“
Ashish Verma, a transport expert said that TOD is not at all a new concept. Verma said, “The model was applied in Mumbai in the core city areas when the suburban rail network was being built. This is a sound idea as it is aimed at providing better access to transit centers. It is feasible if it is planned and executed well.”
BMRCL Seeking Suggestions For TOD
BMRCL is seeking suggestions for TOD from the public. The managing director of BMRCL, Ajay Seth will review the suggestions and consult other stakeholders prior to approaching the state government with the final draft of this policy.
Mr. Seth said, “The development policy and mobility plans should go hand in hand. Transit-oriented development will help people shift to mass transit instead of relying on private modes of transport. The policy covers all mass-transit systems in the city such as metro, bus network, and the proposed sub-urban network.”
Need To Increase Public Transport Share
As per statistics, the population of the Bangalore Metropolitan Region will double from 9.1 million in 2011 to 20.3 million in 2031 as the city is expanding at a rate of 39 sq.km in the peripheral areas. These areas do not have good road networks as well as infrastructure for the transition.
The transiting draft policy says, “There is a need to increase the public transport share from the current 48% to 70% and enhance accessibility and mobility of people which is a pre-requisite for a more liveable and resilient city. In this regard, huge investments are being made to expand the mass transit systems — metro rail and commuter rail in Bengaluru.”
The draft policy says that it is essential to revive the Bangalore Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA) to ensure effective implementation of the TOD project.
