7.1 Components Of The Traffic And Transportation Plan

7.1 COMPONENTS OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION PLAN

7.1.1 The previous chapter has dealt with the future travel demand analysis on various corridors. On the basis of projected traffic, an integrated multi-modal mass transport system plan indicating different mass transport systems on various corridors has been suggested in order to cater to traffic up to the year 2025. The balance traffic should be carried by road system in order to satisfy the needs of normal bus system and other modes such as two wheelers, cars, bicycles, trucks, pedestrians etc. The proposed Traffic and Transportation plan for Bangalore contains the following types of proposals, which will cater to requirements of the projected travel demand up to the year 2025.

Mass Transport System
-- Metro System
-- Monorail/LRT System
-- Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) System
-- Commuter Rail Services
City Bus System
-- Augmentation of Bus Fleet
-- Grid Routes
-- Bus Terminal cum Traffic & Transit Management Centres (TTMC)
-- Volvo Depot cum Traffic & Transit centre
-- New Bus Stations/bus shelters
-- Additional Depots
-- IT Infrastructure
-- HRD Infrastructure
-- Environmental Protect Projects
Inter-city Bus Termini
Transport Integration
Transport System Management Measures
Pedestrian/NMT Facilities
-- Footpaths
-- Skywalks/Subways
-- Pedestrian zones
-- Cycle Tracks
Road Development Plan
-- New Roads/Missing Links
-- Road Widenings
-- Grade Separators
-- Re-alignment of ORR
Parking Facilities
Integrated Freight Complexes

7.1.2 While framing proposals priority has been given to public transport and nonmotorized transport such as pedestrian facilities. For the balance travel demand, road improvement proposals have been formulated. The details of these proposals are given in the following paragraphs.

7.2 Mass Transport System

7.2 MASS TRANSPORT SYSTEM
Public/Mass Transport System will be the backbone of the city’s transport system. The basic premise of the Transport Plan in terms of the National Urban Transport Policy is to create an efficient, cost effective and extensive network of public transport which could provide comfortable, convenient and affordable means of transport to the maximum number of commuters. In this direction a number of schemes are already under implementation and quite a few on the drawing board. Infact keeping in view the observations of the scenarios in Chapter-6 there exist a large requirement for additional facilities in respect of public/mass transport system for the large area proposed to be developed in the forthcoming two decades as per the Master Plan - 2015 proposals.

7.3 The Metro Network System

THE METRO NETWORK SYSTEM

7.3.1 Metro Corridors under Implementation:
Work on implementation of 36.8 km of metro, partly underground and partly elevated, has already been initiated by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC) along East-West & North-South corridors crossing at Majestic. These corridors will basically cover the most congested core areas of Banglore like Peenya, Gandhinagar, M.G. Road, Vijayanagar, Indiranagar, Majestic area, K.R.Market, Jayanagar, and Basavanagudi etc. Tables 7.1 give these Phase I Metro corridors.

7.3.2 Extension of Metro Corridors:
The above corridors may be able to give relief to the immediate traffic problems within the core areas and its immediate neighborhood but by the time the Master Plan proposals get implemented and development of areas beyond the outer ring road takes place in right earnest, the above system will fall short and a more extensive system will become necessary as brought out in Chapter 6. This is especially true because the Master Plan 2015 and its detailed Zonal plans propose the development of around 814.4 Sq. Kms. of area for various urban uses. This brings very large spread of area on which various urban activities will take place.
They would now be located right upto the Peripheral Ring Road in practically all directions and at a few places even beyond it. These activities include some with huge employment potential areas like the Electronic City in the east and southern portions of the BMA. It is therefore necessary that the Metro gets ultimately extended to the most of the high density centers. Therefore the following additional corridors considering the projected travel demand are proposed to be taken up as extension of the Metro in Phase 2.

7.3.2.1 Extension of North –South corridor from R.V. Terminal upto Peripheral Ring Road:
The area to the south of Jayanagar consisting of J.P.Nagar Banashankari, Kumaraswamy layout are fully developed and quite densely populated. Substantial commutation takes place between these areas and core areas of Bangalore. BMICAPA has plans to develop residential and commercial activities along the Bangalore Mysore Expressway corridor, the North –south commuter traffic is expected to increase substantially. It is therefore being proposed that the already approved North-South corridor between Peenya to R V Road Terminal may be extended upto the PRR along the Kanakapura Road. This extension of approximately 10 km should be taken up in the first phase itself.

7.3.2.2 Baiyyappanahalli to Benniganahalli along Old Madras Road
The first phase of the East West line has been proposed from Baiyyappanahalli to Mysore Road. How ever as would be seen from the plan and the subsequent proposals, Outer Ring Road (ORR) is one of the most important spines of Banglore on which large city traffic converges and keeping this in view mass transport in the form of BRT/ Mono-Rail/ LRT is proposed on it in addition to its improvement and smoothening. Benniganahalli located just on the ORR is also the Rail station for the proposed Commuter Rail Systems on the intersection of Bangalore City Station – Whitefield & Banaswadi - BMA Boundary rail corridors. Thus, since it is a very important transport node where a number of transport modes i.e. BRT, CRS etc., meet it, can act as an excellent inter-modal interchange. Therefore it is proposed the east west corridor is extended from Baiyyappanahalli to Benniganahalli through a distance of 1.5 km in the first phase itself.

7.3.2.3 Yelahanka to Hi-tech corridor via Nagavara, Electronic City
The singular North-South corridor planned so far will mostly be able to cater to the western part of the city between Peenya and Kanakapura Road. However the development coming up on the eastern side between Hosur Road and white field – the I.T. and the Electronic cities and in the Northern side near Thanisandra and Yelahanka need another north-south corridor. In order to meet the traffic demand of this area another 34 km long corridor from Yelahanka to PRR via Nagavara, Electronic City has been planned. This corridor will cover Nagavara, Veerannapalya, Frazer Town, the residential, commercial and industrial (IT Sector) areas along Hosur Road. This corridor will also have interchange with the airport expressway and airport metro to provide direct access from south and south east Bangalore to the airport. This will also at interchange with the East West metro corridor.

7.3.2.4 Indira Nagar Metro Stn. to White field Railway Stn. via 100ft Indiranagar Road
The up coming industrial areas, I.T hubs and commercial developments near the White Field area, C.V. Raman Nagar and the commercial development along most of the roads in the Indira Nagar area have totally chocked the Airport Road and the White Field Road and by the time the I.T. hub is fully functional the traffic demand will require a Metro connection of the White Field area with the heart of the City. Accordingly a 19.5 Km. Metro link between Indira Nagar Metro station and White field is proposed. This link when completed would have an inter face with the Mysore Road - Benniganahalli east west corridor at Indira Nagar.

7.3.2.5 Proposed Devanahalli Airport to M.G.Road via Bellary Road
A new International airport is coming up at Devanhalli about 33 Kms North of Banglore and is slated to be completed shotly. In order provide an unhindered direct approach to the Airport a Metro link between M.G. road and the new airport approximately 33 km long has proposed. In order to make the corridor truly functional, the following Terminal / checkin & pick stations have been suggested:
i. City Airport Terminal: In police grounds on M.G.Road the CAT is planned and the metro ramp structure from Mink underground section to M.G. Road elevated section will pass through the CAT structure, integrating both systems.
ii. Hebbal Check-in Station: The second check-in station has been planned at the end of the Hebbal fly-over towards left, with elevated cross-passage with escalator facility to cross-over from the bus-terminal being planned on the right side. The ease of access from the ORR will be able to attract large clientele to this Station.
iii. Yelahanka Pickup Station: It is located at the junction of the N.H. and the Yelahanka Town Road. At this station luggage checkin is not being provided but passengers with hand baggage only will be able to board and alight the train.

The above proposals of metro extensions have been consolidated and listed in the following table. These proposals would add up to about 100 Kms. of Metro to taken up in later phases.

Thus ultimately it is suggested that approx. 137 km of network of Metro will be required to effectively serve the major traffic corridors and high density use areas to meet the travel demand up to 2025. This could be taken up in two phases.
Corridors No 1 and 2 of the above Table 7.2 may be taken up along with the corridors indicated in Table 7.1 under implementation in Phase I, while the corridors Sr. No 3 &4 above may be taken up in the subsequent phase. In view of the pace at which the new Airport is constructed, it will be desirable to take up the Airport connection at S.No. 5 above in the first phase itself in order to make the same accessible as and when commissioned. These proposals are indicated in Figure 7.1.

Figure 7.1 Mass Transport Corridors
(click on images for higher resolution)

Zoom In on Inner City

7.4 Mono Rail / Light Rapid Transit System (LRT)

7.4 MONO RAIL / LIGHT RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM (LRT)

The option of system selection i.e. Light rail or Monorail will depend on the detailed feasibility for these corridors as and when taken up.

7.5 Commuter Rail System

7.5 COMMUTER RAIL SYSTEM (CRS)
Within the BMA, approximately 120 km of rail system of the Indian Railways exists basically for long distance passengers and goods/ freight. This system currently is not being utilized for intra-urban movement with in the BMA. However RITES in its study has identified some of the Railway corridors along which it is possible to run commuter service with some additions and improvements. A similar proposal of utilizing approximately 62 km track and incurring an expenditure of Rs. 650 Crore on making the commuter service possible in two phases (2007 to 2012 & 2013 to 2018 each estimated to cost Rs. 325 Cr.) has been recommended in M.P.2015. The plan has also indicated a land requirement of 62 Ha. for this project. However it is found that the network proposed above will not be sufficient to meet requirements of the Development Area proposed in Master Plan 2015 upto the year 2025. Accordingly it has been considered necessary to extend the CRS network to approximately 119 Kms, using the existing at-grade railway system to serve intra-city needs, which is proposed along the corridors 1 to 7 in Table 7.4.

In addition, with the coming up of the BMRDA’s planned new Town Ships at Bidadi, Ramanagaram, Solur, Sathanur & Nandagudi, high level of commutation between them and the Metropolis. Also, with the development of the huge Multiple Economic Activity Areas like Electronic City, I.T. Parks, Industrial & Commercial Areas with consequent job opportunities on the one hand and availability of comparatively cheaper accommodation in surrounding towns like Hosur, Ramanagaram and Tumkur etc. where a large number of working population is likely to live, substantial of commuter movement between these towns and the Metropolis will take place. In order to cater to this suburban commuter traffic, the CRS is proposed to be extended as corridors 8 to 10 in Table 7.4 below.

Table 7.4 Commuter Rail Corridors

Corridors 1, 2, 6 and 9 are proposed to be taken up in the I Phase, while Sl No 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 will be taken up in the II Phase. The Corridor at Sl No 10 upto Tumkur may be taken in III Phase.

7.6 BRT System

7.6 BRT SYSTEM
BRT is one of the most cost effective public transport modes where the following two conditions can be met:
--Sufficient Right of way (30m or more) is available along the corridor to provide for exclusive carriage ways for BRT
--The peak hour commuter load is up to 20,000 phpdt.

The BRT has also the advantage of large coverage and ease of accessibility as well as simpler operational systems. Accordingly taking into consideration the Master Plan 2015 development proposals and the likely travel demand as explained in Chapter 6, BRT system along the following corridors is proposed:

Thus it is proposed to have at least 569 km of mass transport system consisting of Metro, Mono Rail / LRT, BRT and CRS within the BMA supported by another 85 Kms of CRS out side BMA connecting the Metropolis to some of the BMRDA’s new Townships and the Regional Towns of Tumkur and Hosur. All these proposals are shown in Figure 7.1. In addition to this network, the city bus system will cover a much larger area and will compliment the above systems.

7.7 Augmentation And Improvement In City Bus System

7.7 AUGMENTATION AND IMPROVEMENT IN CITY BUS SYSTEM
While the high capacity BRT will be operational on selected routes where substantial right of way is available, the major areas specially the inner areas and the areas approached by the internal roads will in any case continue to be served by local bus system which will act as the most important feeder system to the Metro, Mono Rail/LRT and the CRS. For this purpose the BMTC has identified East-West, North-South & diagonal grid routes along 27 corridors as already indicated in Figure 1.4.

In addition to improving the fleet capacity, rationalization of routes, improvement in traffic management at the junctions including priority signaling, provision of proper road side bus stops and integration points with the Metro, Mono Rail and CRS will provide effective use of the bus system. BMTC shall continue to play a vital and leading role in public transport in any scenario of the City’s development. In order to meet the future challenge, BMTC has planned a number of initiatives as included in the following proposals:

Table 7.6 Proposed Improvements in the City Bus System
1. Augmentation of Schedule and Fleet
At present the BMTC is operating approximately 4500 buses at more than 1700 routes carrying approximately 35 Lakh passengers. By the year 2025, despite the fact that we are going to add Metro, Mono-rail /LRT, BRT and start CRS, still the feeder services as bus services on the other less dense corridors, will definitely be run through the city bus system only. It is expected that by 2025 at least 60 Lakh trips will be performed by buses only. For this volume of traffic at least 10000 buses will be required. However, this number may have to be increased substantially incase any of the MRT components lag behind in implementation. It is further pointed out that mere increase in fleet is not enough, its quality will also have to be of much higher standard if we want to achieve the NUTP policy of changing the passenger preference from personalized vehicles to Public Transport.
Accordingly it is suggested that all the new buses to be added to fleet, either as addition or replacement should be low floor good quality buses fully considering the commuter comfort. The BMTC plans to add 2500 new vehicles and replace 1415 aged old vehicles, taking the Scheduled strength to 7000 by 2010. The financial implication towards these new vehicles is estimated as Rs 1000 Crore. In the later phases the balance 3000 buses are proposed to be added to meet the ultimate requirement of 10000 buses.

2. Grid Routes and Dedicated Bus Lanes
The BMTC has at present identified 27 grid routes in the North South, East and West and diagonal direction, which will meet the requirement till about 2010. Most of these grid routes are confined upto the ORR, and only a few at present transcend beyond it. However, by 2025 when the complete Development Area of more than 814 Sq. Kms proposed in BDA Master Plan gets fully occupied, these grid routes will both have to be extended upto the PRR and new routes added to serve this area. These routes will complement the Metro and BRT already proposed between the ORR and PRR.

3 Bus Terminal cum Traffic & Transit Management Centres (TTMC)
TTMC’s are planned to have multi-level parking lot, public utilities like mini-shopping centres and food courts. These centers in addition to providing park & ride facilities are also proposed to act as hubs for Mini – Buses planned by BMTC to transport the commuters from every major residential area to the nearest TTMC, so that commuters can board a bus of their choice. BMTC has planned such TTMC’s at the following 45 locations. Of these TTMCs at Bannerghatta, Kengeri, Domlur, Yeshwantpur, Koramangala, Vijayanagar, ITPL, Banashankari and Shantinagar are planned to be taken up very shortly. In fact quite of few these center will act as Intermodal transfer nodes and will provide logistic support to MRT modes like – METRO, Mono-rail/LRT, BRT & CRS etc. through Park & Ride as well as other facilities. In fact as the MRT network grows some additional TTMC’s may be required and in some case a slight relocation of some of the following TTMC’s may be required.

TRAFFIC & TRANSIT MANAGEMENT CENTERS (TTMC)

4 Multi-Modal Transit Center
The MMTC at Subhash Nagar has been planned at a cost of Rs. 350 Crore

5 Volvo Depot cum Traffic & Transit centre
Banashankari

6 New Bus Stations/Bus Shelters
In addition to the 4 major Bus stations located at Subhashnagar, Shivajinagar, City Market and Shanthinagar & 27 sub-nodal bus-stations commissioned at various locations, BMTC has planned another 23 bus stations and about 300 bus shelters at a cost of Rs. 279 Crore

7 Modern Bus Depots
Nagarabhavi
Sreegandhadakaval
Vaddarahalli
Kothnurdinne
Poornaprajna Layout

8 New Depots
In addition to the existing 24 bus depots, BMTC intends adding another 27 depots at a cost of Rs. 161 Crore to make the total number to 51 by 2010. However in order to cater to the 2025 proposed fleet size of 8000 buses, we may need another 20 depots for the additional fleet.

9 Improvement of IT Infrastructure
BMTC is the first public transport undertaking in the country to use the sophisticated GPS technology for monitoring and tracking of vehicles. This is expected to cost Rs. 33 Crore. In order to provide commuter friendly information, the corporation proposes to transfer GPS generated positional details of the buses to commuters in the form of passenger information system (PIS) through display at bus stops/ bus stations also through interactive voice response system (IVRS). This is expected to cost Rs. 84 Crore. In addition introduction of Electronic Destination Boards on buses, introduction of Electronic Ticketing System, Expansion of Computerisation activity and establishment of surveillance system at a cost of Rs. 66 Crore has been proposed.

10 Development of HRD Infrastructure
Training of employees of a large staff organization such as bus system is very important. Therefore 2 hitech multi disciplinary centers (Rs. 50 crore), establishment of employee training modules (Rs. 20 crore) and establishment of employee development centers (Rs. 80 crore) have been proposed.

11 Environment Protection Projects
Various environment protection measures at bus depots are being proposed such as Rain water harvesting, Installation of solar lighting system and other environmental initiatives costing around Rs. 49 crore.

------------------------------

BMTC Grid Routes

7.8 Integrated Multi Modal Transit Centres –Cum- Intercity Bus Terminals

7.8 INTEGRATED MULTI MODAL TRANSIT CENTRES –CUM- INTERCITY BUS TERMINALS
At present all the buses whether inter-city, Inter-state or Intra-city originate and terminate at the Central station in Majestic area. These not only creates congestion and heavy traffic density on all radial routes coming into the core of Bangalore but also result in substantial delay to the passengers who have to take the buses from far flung area. Though another intercity bus terminal cum integrated multi modal transit center is being contemplated at Peenya, It will not be sufficient to meet the requirements of traffic from the other direction especially North, East & South. It is, therefore proposed that there should be at least 3 more Intercity terminals. Accordingly it is suggested that ultimately 4 intercity terminals be located at the following places:

1. Peenya
2. Hosur Road
3. Old Madras Road near ORR
4. Bellary Road near Hebbal

The above terminals are proposed to be located at the Metro and the BRT terminals and will act as Inter Modal Interchanges between regional and local traffic.
Also these would be the center for Chartered and tourist buses, with adequate parking facilities and tourist bureaus / offices etc as well as other tourist infrastructure for operation of private tour operators who are at presently located mostly around the majestic Area.
These proposals have been indicated in Figure 7.2.

Figure 7.2 TTMC & Parking
(Click on the image for higher resolution)

7.9 Road Infrastructure

7.9 ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE

The present road network consists of the Ring Roads and major radial corridors. A number of proposals have already been very broadly included in the Master Plan 2015. In addition quite a few proposals are being implemented by Govt. agencies like NHAI, State PWD, BMC, BDA, BMRDA and BMICAPA along with the private sector through PPP model. It is necessary to integrate / superimpose all these proposals in the light of projected travel demand for road traffic and confirm that they are in conformity with each other and there is neither conflict nor duplication. As the radial road corridors are expected to have high traffic volume, these corridors have been proposed to be strengthened instead of isolated improvements. The road improvement proposals include road widening, new roads (bypasses and other roads), ORR realignment, grade separators (road flyovers, ROBs, RUBs), Integrated Freight Complexes etc. These proposals are explained below.

See attachment for the rest of the section. (pdf 107.1kb).

The following the figures in the section:

Figure 7.3 Road Cross Sections - download image here (pdf 203.2 kb)

Figure 7.4 Road Proposals & Integrated Freight Complexes
(click on image for higher resolution)

Parking & traffic congestion

up

920 users have liked.

There is an urgent need for a paradigm shift on two counts. Firstly, shift focus from road widening to junction improvement. Secondly, shift focus to create parking infrastructure.

Pravin Sood, additional commissioner of police (traffic & security)

As a child, I read a story about six blind men asked to describe what an elephant looked like by feeling different parts of its body. The first man,  who felt the leg, said the elephant was like a pillar; the other, who felt the tail, said it was like a rope; the one who felt the ear said the elephant was like a hand fan and so on. Their descriptions differed because each experienced different parts. There's an analogy between this story and our understanding of the traffic problem.

There is an urgent need for a paradigm shift on two counts. Firstly, shift focus from road widening to junction improvement. Increasing capacity of roads without addressing capacity of junctions negates benefits accruing from the investment. Even after road widening, in the absence of grade separators at junctions, vehicles reach the junctions faster and then wait there for clearance.

Moreover, road widening requires much more effort in terms of land acquisition, cutting of trees, shifting of utilities and confrontation with pressure groups with different mandates. Also, wider roads could become natural parking lots. Not that road widening should not be done. In fact, Bangalore has the distinction of lowest road-to-area ratio in the country. But, Bangalore also has a rare distinction of having more than 40,000 junctions of which 1,000 are on arterial roads; and, of these about 100 signalised junctions across 14 corridors spanning about 59 km carry 50% of the total traffic in a day. The issue is not `road' or `junction' but `road and junction' improvement. Unless junction improvement accompanies corridor improvements, the full benefits of road widening can never be experienced.

Secondly, shift focus to create parking infrastructure. Major roads have been made one-ways while part of these roads is used for parking; 30% of the arterial road space is used as parking lots. Why do we invest in road widening, when they end up as parking lots? Why not invest the same money for parking infrastructure? Removing parking on roads is easier said than done. Considering the flourishing economic activities in parking space (basements) and near absence of parking infrastructure, it's a distant dream. Theoretically, if on-street and footpath parking is totally eliminated, hundreds of schools, commercial establishments and even government offices will have to close down. To expect police to do something like this is denying the existence of malignancy in the system.

Why can't we convert a few one-ways into two-ways? We can, if roads are kept only for moving vehicles, not for parking and certainly not for pedestrians. In our society, most of the economy survives on encroachment of public spaces.

Enforcement without creating alternatives can never be a solution. Of the 35 lakh vehicles on the roads every day, not even 20% are parked throughout the day at earmarked places. Is it possible to tow away 80% of the vehicles? Where is the parking space for all the vehicles? Most parking infrastructure has come up in malls in recent years, but that has not mitigated the problem. These have merely created an additional need and fulfilled that need.

Even on-street parking remains unregulated and since most is free, there is no incentive for people to use public transport. Parking capacities can never be created by government alone and private sector can only be expected to participate if it makes economic sense. Often, the intelligentsia talks about congestion pricing like in London, to which my answer is, we walk before we must run. Parking pricing itself can encourage migration to public transport.

I won't be surprised if you don't agree with me. I could well be one of those six blind men.

Source

7.10 Inter-Modal Interchanges

7.10 INTER-MODAL INTERCHANGES

7.10.1 Proper integration of modes
Integration between Bus, MRTS, and railway is a vital need for the future. The city is planning two such major inter-modal interchanges.
-- The first such interchange is already under bid – the Kempegowda bus terminus at Subhashnagar is proposed to be converted into an interchange that accommodates the BMTC, KSRTC, BMRC, and a “city center” complex.
-- The second interchange is proposed at Baiyyappanahalli, which will have the BMTC, KSRTC, Railways, BMRC, and the Airport Rail Link.

In addition to the above major 47 interchanges as indicated in Figure 7.1 are proposed at required intersections of mass transport corridors.

Figure 7.1 Intermodal Interchanges
(click on images for higher resolution)

7.11 Non- Motorized Modes

7.11 NON- MOTORISED MODES

7.11.1 Cycle Facilities
Their use in Bangalore is not significant but still this needs to be encouraged on environmental considerations. Provision for safer and better section of road or cycle track is the best way to keep them on roads. This is necessitates more on roads in the periphery of city and in many areas in BMA. In CBD some side roads and lanes can be exclusively reserved for cyclists and pedestrians in peak periods. In the new cross sections for major roads in Figure 7.3, reservation for cycle tracks has especially been incorporated. (See attachment)

7.11.2 Pedestrian Facilities
Pedestrians form a major proportion of commuters. Not only trips are conducted by walk in its entirety but every public transport trip will also have component of walk at its both ends. Though they are short distance travelers, they are spread all over the city. As facilities furnished for them are encroached upon by vendors or for road space, they have to spill on roads. These contribute to accidents also. One alternative for their facility and controlling their spill on roads is to provide good footpath with railings covering about one to one half meters width on either side of the road with openings at desired crossing points. Another alternative is to develop some narrow roads especially adjacent to major arterials as “pedestrians only” roads. Bus bays and foot paths at bus stops can also help in restraining their spill on to carriageways and reducing accidents. Pedestrian subways at important location on all 6 lane roads and at busy inter sections/junctions on 4 lane roads are to be planned on a programmed basis.

7.11.2.1 Pedestrian Cross-Over Walk-ways facilities
The proposed skywalks/pedestrian subways are given in Table 7.12.

1. Cauvery Bhavan to Education Department Building and to Law College to Mysore Bank crossing KG Road on State Bank Junction
2. Opposite NTI connecting Guttahalli Road and Palace (opposite Bus Stop) on Sankey Road
3. Arya Bhavan Sweets to Kanthi Sweet to Himalaya Theatre, crossing KG Road
4. Lalbagh Main Gate (Javaraiah Circle)
5. Bannerghatta Road near Jayadeva Hospital
6. BMTC Main Bus Stand to Amar Lodge Building in Majestic Area
7. KSRTC Kempegowda Bus Station to BMTC Main Bus Station
8. At Kengeri Bus Stand, Mysore Road
9. At Byatarayanapura on Bellary Road (near Junction of BBMP office complex)
10. BMTC Main Bus Station to Railway Station Premises
11. Shanthala Silk House to KSRTC Main Bus Station and to Good-Shed Road
12. RNS Motors, Tumkur road
13. Jalahalli Circle, Tumkur Road
14. Near Webb junction
15. Near Kamakhya, Kathriguppe Ring Road
16. Gandhi Bazaar Main Road
17. On Vittal Mallya Road near Mallya Hospital
18. Sheshadri Road near Maharani College
19. On JC Road near Ravindra Kala Kshetra
20. On Hosur Main Road near Madivala Check post
21. On Raja Ram Mohan Roy Road, near Pallavi theatre
22. On Richmond Road near D’Souza Circle
23. On Race Course Road near Chalukya Hotel
24. On Commissariat Street near Garuda Mall
25. On Residency Road near Mayo Hall
26. On Kamaraj Road near Commercial Street
27. Near Indira Nagar 100 feet Road & Water Tank junction on Airport Road
28. On Hosur Road(Near Forum)
29. On Tumkur Road, near SMS Railway Junction
30. On Air Port Road, Marath Halli at Village Road.
31. On Air Port Road, Marath Halli at Junction of Under Pass ORR
32. K.R. Puram Bus Stand
33. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Devaraj Urs Road
34. On Hosur Road “T” Junction with Tavarekere Main Road (Opposite Sai Sadan & Prestige Acropolis) (High Rise Apartments Condominium)
35. Mission Road at the foot of Fly over
36. Vidhana Veedhi near M S Building
37. Tumkur Road near Yeshwantpur Circle
38. At South End Circle
39. Malleshwaram 5th cross
40. Double Road opposite Shanthi Nagar bus station
41. City Market additional arm to be added to existing underpass
42. 30 no. Sky –walks / Sub-Ways along the eastern crescent of the ORR

The choice between lift/escalator operated skywalks and underpasses will depend upon the specific site conditions and the quantum of pedestrian traffic while undertaking the detailed feasibility studies. Location of these facilities is indicated in Figure 7.5.

Figure 7.5 Pedestrian Facilities
(click on images for higher resolution)

7.11.2.2 Foot paths
It has been observed that most of the footpaths along the major arterial and sub
arterial roads need extensive repairs and up gradations. The major problems
observed are:
--Insufficient widths (< 1.5 mts.)
--Uneven surface because of settlement of base course, improper covering of service lines, manholes etc.
--Obstruction due to encroachments, unwanted garbage, unused building materials, fallen/ half cut trunks of trees and full grown trees, cable stays of electric poles etc.

Level difference and steep risers with junctions of roads.
For this purpose tentatively it has been estimated that footpaths along 350 km of
roads are required to be taken up. The basic principles for construction of new
footpaths and improvement of existing ones are as under:
--Footpaths along existing roads should be widened and the minimum width be kept at least 2.0 mts.
--Proper leveling of footpath surface – with a stable base course fully compacted and safe guarded against any settlement before laying the top surface. In addition the cover for the underground services and man holes, if any, located below the footpaths or crossing should be properly designed to maintain a proper level with the surface of the footpath and no subsidence occurs.
--Continuity of footpaths
--Adequate ramp facilities for physically challenged people at junctions and cross overs.
--Proper merger of footpaths with skywalks/ underpasses/zebra crossings and junctions be provided with pedestrian priority signaling.

7.11.2.3 Pedestrian Zones
Substantial areas inside the core ring road has quite a few streets which are either fully commercial or majority of whose frontage is being used as shopping. The commercial activities on these roads can broadly be divided into the following two categories:

i. Retail and general Shopping like general merchandise, clothing garments and allied products, household white goods, consumer electronics, groceries & kitchen ware, Food & sweet shops etc., which are more or less regularly visited by shoppers.
ii. Wholesale and specialised shops dealing in machinery, building materials, Hardware etc. which are occasionally visited by customers with specific requirements and need bulk handling through Trucks and MCV’s As far as these commercial activities are concerned attempt should be made to shift them out side the ORR along wide corridors where adequate loading / unloading facilities can be provided along with required parking facilities for visitors / shoppers. For shifting of these wholesale activities both strong measures against their functioning in their present locations in the core areas and incentives for shifting to the new locations will have to be provided.

The majority of the customers visit the core area to meet their retail needs through first type of establishments. As per the plan, this central area is going to be very well served by:
--3 Metro Links namely
i. Baiyyappanahalli to Mysore Road (East-West Corridor)
ii. Peenya to Banashankari (North-South Corridor)
iii. Yelahanka R.S to PRR via Nagavara and Electronic City
--An elevated core ring road surrounding this area with provision for BRT
--Adequate park & ride facilities out side the core area at Bus Terminal cum Traffic & Transit Management centres, Metro Termini & important metro Stations, BRT stations, along side Core Ring Road and Monorail Termini & Stations.

Thus the entire core area will be fully covered by elaborate public transport network and as such the entry of all private vehicles, especially during the shopping hours 10 A.M. to 9 P.M. should be minimised.

7.11.2.4 Proposed Pedestrian Zones
To start with following two areas are being suggested for pedestrianisation:

1. Gandhi Nagar & Chickpet Areas- The area surrounded by Seshadri Road, Kalidas Marg, K.G.Road, Distt. Offices Road, N.R.Road, Mysore Road and Bhashyam Road, Tank Bund Road & Dhanvantri Road can be converted into two pedestrian zones I & II on either side of K.G.Road. The two Zones can be inter connected through a semi depressed under pass near Alankar Plaza and Jantha Bazar. All the private vehicles will be required to move on Seshadri Road, Kasturba Road, NR Road and Bhashyam Road, while K.G.Road and District Offices Road be used by Public Transport –Busses & Trams. In the surrounding areas 5 mechanical parking spaces with a capacity of 500 vehicles each will be provided at;
--P13- Behind Sagar
--P14- Kanteerava Stadium
--P15-Near City Market
--P16-Near Bakshi Gardens
--P17 – KSRTC Bus Depot

2. Commercial Street - To be designated as ‘CLOSED FOR VEHICLES FROM 10 A.M TO 9 P.M.’ and supported by parking P-2 near Kamaraj Road
3. Brigade Road - To be designated as ‘CLOSED FOR VEHICLES FROM 10 A.M TO 9 P.M.’ and supported by parking P-1 near M.G.Road

These proposals are indicated in Figure 7.6.

Figure 7.6 Pedestrian Zones

==*==

7.12 Parking

7.12 PARKING

7.12.1 The parking demand is growing with growth of vehicles in the city. The multistoried buildings in busy/commercial areas are major attractors. Though the building regulations specify a minimum provision of parking area, there can be many defaulters and some who later convert the spaces for other purposes. This results in the vehicle parking spilling to streets (main road or side streets). A practical solution is to provide off street multistoried parking lots in this areas. As funds will be constraint consultants suggest a policy in this regard. The Owner who fails to provide required parking spaces as per the regulations should be charged an annual levy equivalent to market rental value for the short fall in parking area provided. Subsequently the market value will rise every year. Amount so collected plus parking charges collected will be substantially enough to meet the repayment installments of loans which were taken to construct multistoried parking lots. Once such facility is provided it is possible to prevent the on Street parking of vehicles or otherwise road space can be utilized for traffic. The development control regulations and TCP act may be suitably amended to provide for such levies.

7.12.2 Parking demand can also be controlled by implementing transport management measures like staggering office and school working hours and banning on-Street parking of private vehicles in CBD and on major arterials. However it must be realized that mere regulatory measures are not enough and positive steps are required to meet the parking demand and provide safe parking outside the congested areas. It is suggested that for proper parking management and control, to start with we may divide the city into three zones.

7.12.2.1 Zone A – Central areas inside the core ring road where only short term parking on hourly basis should be provided between 9 AM to 9PM with high telescopic charges increasing with every hour of parking. These areas will invariably be provided with automatic mechanical parking (AMPs). Beyond 9PM and upto 9AM they can offer lower tariff rates for long term night parking.

7.12.2.2 Zone B – between the CRR and ORR – in these areas a combination of AMPs and Conventional Multi level Parking (CMPs) can be provided at selected interchanges, especially at the TTMCs and other identified locations closer to public transport corridors. Parking in these areas will also be short term time based but at a slightly lower tariff as compared to Zone A.

7.12.2.3 Zone C – outside the ORR – large CMPs may be provided at the TTMC s and other locations adjoining the public transport stations of Metro, Monorail/LRT, BRT etc. these will be long term parking lots of 8 to 12 hour duration at a nominal tariff to encourage the vehicle owners to park at these facilities and ride the public transport system to their destination and back.

7.12.3 To begin with parking for about 10000 vehicles has been suggested at the
following sites in Table 7.13.

Of these sites, where the availability of land is limited and the land values very high, automatic mechanical parking (AMP) which can provide 500 parking lots in approx. 1000 sqm of space have been suggested. In the outer areas, conventional multistory parking (CMP) has been proposed.

In addition, since most of the TTMC’s are proposed to be adequately served by Public Transport like Metro, Mono Rail/LRT, BRT etc, substantial Park and ride facilities should be provided from where the commuters can switch over from private to public transport. These proposals are indicated in Figure 7.2.

Figure 7.2 Parking
(Click on the image for higher resolution)

Similarly at all the termini of Metro, Mono rail/LRT, BRT,CRS and their major stations out side the Core Ring Road should be provided with adequate park and ride facilities are to be provided.

Within the core area where the land is scarce and very expensive, mechanical automatic & semi automatic parking may be provided with heavy time based parking Charges.

In the long run, when the mass transport system is city-wide and adequate, parking demand will stabilize. Therefore it is important that adequate and convenient mass transport system as recommended above is provided.

7.13 Freight Movement

7.13 FREIGHT MOVEMENT

7.13.1 The freight movement through the city particularly on some of the arterials is already restricted in CBD area. Many orbital corridors cannot be easily restrained till such time the wholesale activities are concentrated in the CBD. The strategy already followed is to decongest the CBD by shifting the wholesale market to outer areas or proposed IFCs along the PRR. In order to facilitate the shifting of the wholesale activity from the core areas, both harsh measures in terms of restriction on the activities at their present location and incentives for relocation in the new areas will have to be followed. The restrictions in the central areas could be in the form of banning the entry of HCVs completely and permitting only LCVs between 10 PM and 9 AM; treating these properties as engaged in misuse activities and charge a very hefty misuse charge on a daily basis and a substantial increase in the property tax. All private vehicles should be banned from entering these areas between 9 AM to 10PM. simultaneously well developed wholesale markets may be created along side the IFCs with modern transport, loading and unloading, parking and ancillary facilities. These sites can be allotted to the persons relocating their business on no profit no loss basis on priority.

The provision of PRR is itself going to help diversion of through freight traffic. Nearly 80% of the ORR has lost the sole identity of ring road, the PRR being thought of in this connection will be a boon to the city. Development of another orbital ring road as proposed by BMRDA would also help in diversion of the freight traffic. So far there is no though regarding the shifting of the goods shed. If a ring railway is formed over the outer ring road, shifting of the goods shed to the periphery of the city can also be thought of. But this will take longer time. However, future planning of the rail facilities in and around Bangalore will need to be kept this in mind. Such shifts will have some adverse effect i.e. HCV/LCV movement from the goods sheds on the periphery and any wholesale complexes, into the city will develop. By suitable management measures like restricting these movements during particular timings of the day, problem can be suitably managed.

7.13.2 Integrated Freight Complexes (IFC)
Near the junctions of the PRR with the following radial corridors, six IFC’s are proposed as indicated in Figure 7.4:
1. Hosur Road
2. White Field Road
3. Old Madras Road
4. Bellary Road
5. Tumkur Road
6. Mysore Road
In addition to acting as nodes for handling the HCVs traffic and diverting it on the PRR they will also act as center for wholesale trade. Quite a few wholesale markets to be shifted outside the central area can be located as part of the IFC for efficient handling for bulk goods.

Figure 7.4 Integrated Frieght Complexes
(click on image for higher resolution)

7.14 Demand Control

7.14 DEMAND CONTROL

7.14.1 Reducing Private Vehicle Use
There are two ways to restraint the growth of private vehicles on road to either by pricing policy or by providing better level of service on public transport. Road pricing is difficult to achieve in a city like Bangalore particularly since its enforcement would be very difficult. It should be possible to put constraints in some areas by restricting private vehicles entering into the congested roads particularly during the peak hours. Providing good public transport with feeder IPT modes like Mini buses for facilitating the commuters to reach their destinations from Train/Bus stations would also induce many private vehicle users to shift from private vehicles. In fact with the coming up of the Core Ring Road, proposed improvements in the alignment of the ORR, Coming up of the various Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Modes like Metro, Mono-Rail / LRT & BRT we can substantially achieve the objectives through the following measures:
--Enough parking lots be provided outside the ORR & CRR easily accessible from the radials reaching the ORR & CRR
--Proper park & ride facilities for long term parking at the stations / termini of the MRT modes out side the ORR.
--Providing comfortable, environmentally friendly transport (Electrically operated / CNG mini busses) between MRT stations and the core areas.
--The parking facilities provided / planned in side the CRR should only be for Short term parking with high hourly charges.
--Congestion Charges be imposed on slab-scale from private vehicles entering first the ORR and then the CRR.
--Private vehicles be completely banned from entering the pedestrian zones
between the shopping hours i.e. 10 AM to 9 PM.
The above measures can help in reducing private vehicles in busy areas.

7.14.2 Land use for demand optimization
The land use and density component of the above strategy can be operationalized only through revisions in the Master Plan. High traffic generating activities and high density (high FSI) zones should be realigned around mass transport nodes and along major transportation corridors.
Such a reorganization of land use and density cannot be realized only through the modifications in the Master plan. In already developed areas, this needs to be translated into projects for planned redevelopment, ensuring that the high density and high intensity of activities are supported by appropriating land for improvements in the road network, street design and supporting infrastructure. The energy for redevelopment already exists in the real estate market in Bangalore, and will receive further impetus from the implementation of mass transport projects.
In new growth areas, a mechanism for micro-level planning (such as Town Planning Schemes in Gujarat) will need to be introduced to ensure that all new development is adequately served by primary, tertiary and secondary road network with provision for public transport facilities. These would also essentially have to be translated into land management projects.

7.14.3 Development of Integrated Facilities
As already pointed out, Bangalore has a good network of rail system, which can be converted by adding a few facilities like parallel lines, electrification, additional stations etc to serve as a commuter rail system also. Detailed studies have been completed already. CRS along with the Metro system under construction and the Bus transport can be integrated with good interchange and parking facilities at stations to form an Integrated Transport System.

7.15 Transport System Management - B-TRAC 2010

7.15 TRANSPORT SYSTEM MANAGEMENT - B-TRAC 2010

7.15.1 Background
Bangalore City, has witnessed a phenomenal growth in vehicle population. As a result, many of the arterial roads and intersections are operation over the capacity (i.e., v/c is more than 1) and average Journey speeds on some of the key roads in the Central Area are lower than 10 Kmph in the peak hour. Therefore, it has become necessary to establish plans for efficient traffic management in Bangalore. In this regard, Bangalore City Police have envisaged the “Bangalore Traffic Improvement Project – B- TRAC 2010”

7.15.2 Goal and Objectives
The objectives of B-TRAC 2010 would be two-fold:
1. Operational Objectives:
(a) Reduce traffic congestion by 30% in the Central Area of Bangalore City;
(b) Reduce accidents by 30% in the city of Bangalore;
(c) Achieve significant reduction in pollution;
(d) Achieve substantial compliance of Traffic Laws and Rules; and
(e) Set up an effective Trauma Care System.
2. Institutional Objectives:
(a) Coordinated traffic management by developing mechanisms for the same, like institutionalizing Traffic Task Force, Road Safety Committee, Traffic Action Committee etc;
(b) Robust Revenue Model (traffic funds to pay for traffic management infrastructure and maintenance);
(c) Legal and Institutional reforms;
(d) Capacity Building (Modernization and up gradation of Traffic Training Institute etc.); and
(e) Strengthening of Traffic police by augmenting officers and staff; construction of buildings and provision of modern communication and mobility.

7.15.3 Approach
The city of Bangalore needs a traffic management that addresses not just supply aspects, but also demand and B-TRAC – 2010 adopts this very same approach.

7.15.4 Strategy
B-TRAC-2010 framework would be as follows:
(a) Land use development controls;
(b) Primacy to Public Transport;
(c) Parking controls and management;
(d) Automated Control and Enforcement (ITS/ATC);
(e) Entry Restriction to the Central Area; and
(f) Road safety plan for accident reduction.
Specific components of the strategy are:
(a) Central Area – Area Traffic Control System; One way systems; dedicated bys lance and signal priority for buses; Parking controls; creation of no-auto zones; restricted entry of traffic in to the core area
(b) Core ring road development for unhindered movement of traffic thereby avoiding the central area
(c) Corridor Traffic Control System (as in ATC) for the several radial roads
(d) up gradation of intermediate and outer ring roads and development of the peripheral ring road
(e) Traffic police modernization with improved communication, computerization, mobility, capacity building and automated enforcement systems.

7.15.5 Components
The various components of B-TRAC are as under:
*Junction Improvements
*Street Furniture and Road Marking
*Intelligent Transport System including. ATC, VMS etc for 250 intersections
*Surveillance / monitoring and enforcement cameras etc
*Education and Training / Others

7.15.6 Benefits
(a) Traffic congestion will be reduced by 30% in the Central Area of Bangalore City
(b) Accidents will be reduced by 30% in the city of Bangalore
(c) There will be significant reduction in pollution
(d) Substantial compliance of Traffic Laws and Rules will be achieved
(e) Effective Trauma Care System will be set up
(f) Coordinated traffic management will be achieved
(g) Level of traffic and road safety awareness will be enhanced and
(h) State of the art traffic policing and regulation will lead to substantial compliance.

7.15.7 Summary
B-TRAC 2010 will be first of its kind project in the country to address the issues of traffic congestion, safety etc by utilizing the latest traffic management technology and techniques, which are appropriate to our context. This will give the much-needed scope for larger infrastructure projects to be planned and implemented for improving the transportation system in Bangalore city.