BMTC Struggles with Pothole-Ridden Roads, Traffic Congestion: Meeting Targets Becomes a Challenge
Bengaluru, September 2, 2024 – As Bengaluru’s notorious traffic jams continue to frustrate commuters, the condition of the city’s roads has added another layer of difficulty for BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation) bus drivers. The poor road conditions, riddled with potholes, have made it nearly impossible for drivers to adhere to schedules, meet diesel consumption targets, and avoid frequent breakdowns.
With over 1.16 crore vehicles crowding Bengaluru's roads, traffic congestion is an expected challenge. However, the deteriorating road conditions have turned routine commutes into arduous tasks for BMTC drivers. The situation is so severe that buses often break down mid-journey, leading to delays and complaints from frustrated passengers. What should be a one-hour journey now takes an additional 45 minutes to an hour and a half due to the combination of traffic and pothole-ridden roads.
Breakdowns and Delays Plague BMTC Operations
BMTC has set strict targets for its buses, including the number of trips to be completed each day and fuel efficiency standards. However, drivers are struggling to meet these targets. The poor road conditions cause frequent bus breakdowns, with issues such as brake failures, clutch problems, and tire punctures becoming common. On average, 5-6 buses break down daily, further exacerbating delays.
During the monsoon season, the challenges multiply. Waterlogged roads make it even harder to navigate, with drivers forced to proceed at a snail’s pace to avoid accidents. The result is not just delays but also increased diesel consumption, as buses struggle to maintain fuel efficiency in stop-and-go traffic.
Increased Repair Costs and Time Losses
The continuous strain on buses is leading to more frequent repairs, with BMTC’s technical staff reporting an uptick in maintenance cases. Previously, the maintenance team handled 2-4 cases daily, but this number has now doubled, with 6-8 cases requiring attention each day. The delays caused by these breakdowns result in trip cancellations, leading to financial losses for the BMTC.
Drivers Demand Additional Time and Road Repairs
BMTC drivers are now demanding more time to complete their routes, particularly for trips from Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic) to other parts of the city. They argue that the current time allocations are unrealistic given the state of the roads and the traffic situation. For instance, a trip from Majestic to Sadahalli, which is supposed to take 1 hour 50 minutes, now requires an additional 45 minutes to an hour.
BMTC employees are urging authorities to repair the city's roads or provide dedicated bus lanes, similar to metro tracks, to ensure timely and safe travel. "In a city like Bengaluru, setting strict time targets for BMTC buses without considering the ground realities is unfair. If they want us to meet these targets, they need to fix the roads," said Nataraj, a BMTC employee.
As the city’s infrastructure continues to struggle under the weight of its traffic and weather conditions, BMTC drivers and passengers alike are left navigating an increasingly challenging commute.
