“Bengaluru’s Economic Drain: Traffic Woes Result in ₹19,725 Crore Annual Loss, Study Finds”
Bengaluru, India’s tech hub, faces a substantial economic setback of ₹19,725 crore per year caused by traffic congestion, delays, and related factors, reveals a comprehensive study by traffic expert M N Sreehari. The study underscores the need for strategic road planning, expansion, and enhanced mass transportation systems to mitigate the city’s crippling traffic issues.
Bengaluru, often hailed as the country’s Silicon Valley, has been hit by a massive financial blow of ₹19,725 crore annually due to its notorious traffic mess, according to a groundbreaking study conducted by traffic expert M N Sreehari and his team. The report delves into the multifaceted issues of traffic congestion, road planning, and infrastructural deficiencies that have plagued the city’s transportation network.
Despite boasting a network of 60 fully functional flyovers, Bengaluru continues to grapple with significant losses attributed to delays, signal stoppages, fuel wastage, and more. The study sheds light on the glaring gap between road length growth and the exponential rise in vehicular population, accentuated by the city’s meteoric growth as a tech hub.
The rapid expansion of the city’s IT sector, encompassing employment opportunities and associated facilities like housing and education, has fueled an exceptional population surge, currently standing at 14.5 million, with a staggering vehicle population of nearly 1.5 crore.
While Bengaluru’s urban sprawl has expanded from 88 to 985 square kilometres in 2023, the report suggests that further expansion to 1,100 square kilometres is necessary. The study emphasizes the insufficient growth of road length in proportion to vehicular and area expansion, resulting in congestion, delays, and substantial economic loss.
Mr Sreehari and his team stress the pressing need for strategic road development, including radial and ring roads connected by circular routes, such as Outer Ring Road (ORR), Peripheral Ring Road (PRR), and Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR). The report also recommends embracing underground-based road systems to address future traffic challenges, with a focus on mass transportation options like metro, monorail, and high-capacity buses, while discouraging private transportation.
Proposals for integrating artificial intelligence, robotics, and informatics through Variable Message Systems (VMS) to enhance road user experiences are also presented. The study underscores the importance of strict enforcement and immediate action against traffic violators, coupled with camera and sensor systems for better traffic management.
In terms of long-term disaster preparedness, the report highlights the significance of underground transportation systems, particularly for metros and government buses, which can offer both escape routes and ventilation during emergencies.
As Bengaluru grapples with its staggering economic loss attributed to traffic-related challenges, the study’s recommendations echo a call for comprehensive and innovative solutions to alleviate the city’s congestion and safeguard its economic vitality.
Sources By Agencies
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