Daily bus breakdowns disrupt Bengaluru traffic
Bengaluru police have reported that 8 to 10 buses operated by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) break down every day across the city. The frequent incidents are leading to significant traffic congestion, particularly during morning and evening peak hours.
According to a senior police official, the delay in removing stranded buses from the roads often results in severe traffic snarls. The official stated, "The removal process takes time due to lack of immediate towing facilities, and this worsens the congestion."
Impact on peak hour traffic
The breakdowns are most problematic during rush hours when roads are already crowded. A single broken-down bus can block an entire lane, causing ripple effects that slow down traffic for kilometers. Commuters have expressed frustration, with many reporting extended travel times.
Police data indicates that the issue is not limited to a specific route or time but is widespread across the city. The authorities have urged transport corporations to improve vehicle maintenance and deploy faster response teams for towing.
Transport corporations respond
BMTC and KSRTC officials acknowledged the issue but cited aging fleets and high usage as contributing factors. A BMTC spokesperson said, "We are working on preventive maintenance and have increased the number of recovery vehicles. However, the sheer volume of buses on the road makes some breakdowns inevitable."
The police have recommended that transport corporations station tow trucks at key locations to reduce response time. They also suggested better coordination between traffic police and bus depots to clear blocked roads quickly.
Public calls for action
Regular commuters have called for stricter checks and penalties for poorly maintained buses. Social media platforms have seen an uptick in complaints, with hashtags like #BengaluruTraffic and #BusBreakdowns trending. One commuter tweeted, "Every day it's the same story – a broken-down bus blocks the road, and no one comes for hours. This needs to stop."
As Bengaluru grapples with growing vehicular population, the breakdown of public transport buses adds to the city's traffic woes. The police and transport departments are expected to meet soon to devise a long-term solution.
