After months of follow-ups, surveys, and repeated meetings with transport officials, residents of a large apartment complex on the outskirts of Bengaluru have finally secured a Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus service to their locality.
Background of the Issue
Residents of BDA Kanminike Apartments, a 1,500-flat housing complex located nearly 7km from Challaghatta Metro station on the Purple Line, struggled with poor last-mile connectivity for years. Though the apartment complex lies close to the Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway, the nearest bus stop was located nearly 1.5-2km away, forcing commuters to depend on autos, cabs, and neighbours for daily travel.
Residents' Efforts
Officials of Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), in December 2025, wrote a letter to BMTC for providing a bus service to the apartments "for the convenience of residents." With occupancy increasing steadily, residents began pushing for BMTC connectivity. The apartment association first conducted a survey to understand commuting patterns, preferred routes, office timings and the number of residents dependent on public transport. Around 39% voted for bus service to Majestic, while 28% wanted connectivity to Kengeri and KR Market.
Formal Representation and Inspections
Using the survey findings, residents submitted a formal representation to BMTC, seeking feeder bus services to the apartment complex. The proposal also received support from the civic authorities, following which BMTC officials from Byadarahalli depot carried out multiple spot inspections and route feasibility studies. The process saw a brief delay due to ongoing concretisation work on Hejjala Road, which forms part of the route. Residents said BMTC officials remained proactive throughout the process and stayed in regular contact regarding road completion and route finalisation. Following the final inspection two weeks ago, the proposal was formally approved last week.
Service Launch
In a communication shared with residents, the apartment association announced that BMTC bus services from the area began on May 18. The bus will start from Bidadi and reach Kanminike Phase 2, near Phase 4, at 8.45am and its destination at Kengeri TTMC via Kumbalgodu, Basavanagar. The service, however, will run on a trial basis for 45 days, after which BMTC will review commuter response before deciding on continuing or expanding operations.
Residents' Reactions
Residents praised the move. Vinod P, a resident, said: "The launch of BMTC bus service to BDA Kanminike Apartments is a big moment for all residents. Good public transport connectivity is not just a convenience, it genuinely improves daily life for families, senior citizens, students, and working professionals. We are very happy to see this long-pending demand finally become a reality." Residents said they are now encouraging more people within the community to use public transport regularly so that BMTC can increase the frequency and introduce more routes in the future.
