Residents and daily commuters in the rapidly developing southern suburbs of Bengaluru are raising their voices against inadequate public transport connectivity. Despite the operational Namma Metro's Yellow Line linking the city centre to Bommasandra, the journey remains incomplete for thousands travelling further south towards the Tamil Nadu border and interior areas.
Peak-Hour Chaos and Inadequate Feeder Services
The core of the issue lies in the mismatch between Metro access and last-mile connectivity. Commuters highlight that feeder bus services from the Bommasandra Metro station to key hubs like Anekal are insufficient, especially during peak hours. Anekal, a suburb hosting numerous industries and educational institutions, relies heavily on crowded BMTC routes like 361C and 356M.
"When the Yellow Line started, feeder service demand was low. But with more trains now, southbound commuter numbers have surged. To get to Anekal, we must change buses at Chandapura, which is a nightmare during rush hours," explained Rahul S, a regular traveller.
Another commuter, Amogh A, painted a grim picture of the existing services. "Buses are packed beyond capacity. Finding a seat is a dream; often, there's no space to stand. This problem isn't limited to Anekal but affects the entire fast-growing locality, including Chandapura," he stated.
Safety Concerns and Pleas from Local Residents
The connectivity gap also raises significant safety and accessibility concerns. Residents of Neotown, located merely 3 kilometres from the Bommasandra Metro station, find themselves stranded. Revathy S, a Neotown resident, pointed out the socio-economic angle.
"Many staff working in our apartments as security, housekeeping, or cooks have low incomes and cannot afford taxis. The 3-km stretch is unsafe for walking, especially for women. Immediate and reliable bus service is not a luxury but a necessity," she urged.
Official Responses and Future Surveys
On the official front, there seems to be a disconnect between commuter demand and administrative action. Shivayogi V Ballolli, General Manager of the Electronics City Industries Association (ELCIA), confirmed that discussions with BMTC officials are ongoing. "BMTC has informed us that a survey is currently underway to assess the situation," he said.
However, a senior BMTC official presented a different view, claiming the corporation has not received any formal request to increase feeder service frequency between Bommasandra and Anekal. The official added, "If considerable demand is demonstrated, we will certainly address it."
This statement stands in stark contrast to the daily experiences of commuters, who continue to endure overcrowded buses and cumbersome commutes, hoping for a swift resolution to Bengaluru's southern connectivity crisis.
