Integrated transport vital to save city, say experts

The need for an integrated mode of transport connecting the city and its suburbs to make Bengaluru sustainable was repeatedly stressed by experts and bureaucrats at a conference for investors here on Friday.

Making a presentation on improving “livability” in Bengaluru, Urban Development Department secretary Anjum Pervez said the state government was working on making Bengaluru liveable. “We have already deposited money with the railways for buying rakes (coaches) for suburban rail. We will continue to work for an integrated transport system.”

Noting that development plans should not come at the cost of much-needed works, Pervez cited the government’s efforts to build the peripheral ring road (PRR). “We approved TenderSure projects with a lot of apprehensions as it costs Rs 5 crore to Rs 7 crore per kilometre. For years, we are trying to mobilise funds for the PRR but have not succeeded. Now, we are finding that the TenderSure roads and footpaths are dug up.”

He said such projects should get high sanctity considering that they are funded at the cost of works like PRR which have the capacity to prevent density of core urban population by ensuring mobility at the suburban level.

The event was part of the summit on ‘Growth Through Connectivity Enhancement’ organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry.

WRI India’s Pavan Mulukutla, who was part of the panel, said urban transport needs to be integrated at three levels — infrastructure, information and fare models. “As of now, Metro, BMTC and taxis operate in their own isolated world, which provides no possibility for last-mile connectivity. Only the United Metropolitan Transport Authority, which has remained on paper, can provide a solution to these problems.” he said.