Implement Mass Rapid Transit System on Outer Ring Road

Sir,

The proposed bus terminal at Bannimantap has sparked intense public debate. There have been two other write-ups in Star of Mysore (‘Need to send DPR back to the Drawing Board’ by Bhamy V. Shenoy and ‘A brand new bus stand in a very wrong new place’ by Dr. K. Javeed Nayeem) expressing their perspective on the issue after R. Chandra Prakash first highlighted with his detailed analysis.

Chandra Prakash has validly pointed out the undesirability of the project, emphasising how it would compromise Mysuru’s heritage and create traffic chaos in areas housing important buildings if implemented as per the Detailed Project Report (DPR) costing Rs. 120 crore.

Chandra Prakash has now reiterated his original contention, citing four reasons to support his argument, which were published in SOM on Jan. 9, 2025, under the title ‘Desi Problems Need Desi Solutions.’

He proposed utilising the Outer Ring Road (ORR) as an alternative, calling it an eminently suitable and logical solution. Establishing a bus terminal within the city, he argued, would lead to an unmitigated disaster, given the immense traffic volume.

In fact, when the Mysore Agenda Task Force (MATF) was constituted in 2002, as Convenor of the Working Group                           on Road and Traffic I had suggested the same solution of utilising the ORR.

Exponential growth

To understand the scale of the problem, it is worth noting how the KSRTC bus fleet has expanded significantly over the past two decades. In 2002, the fleet comprised just 576 buses with 476 schedules. This has now ballooned to 8,934 vehicles, including 48 electric buses, without accounting for the surge in private vehicles.

In other words, fleet size has increased nearly 16 times. One can only imagine the levels of pollution and congestion Mysuru would face if a bus terminal were situated within the city limits.

At the current rate of Mysuru’s growth, with Bengaluru reaching its saturation point and the enhanced connectivity provided by the Mysuru-Bengaluru Highway, Mysuru will face unprecedented growth pressures if the Government proceeds blindly with the present proposal.

MRTS eminently suitable

We had previously recommended implementing a Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) along the Outer Ring Road, which was under consideration at the time and remains the most logical solution. A detailed note was prepared, even suggesting the name of a technical expert for this purpose. To quote the first paragraph of the note:

“The motorised and pedestrian traffic has grown manifold over the last decade in Mysuru, as indeed in other parts of India. The rate of traffic growth is exponential, leading to significantly increased air pollution from vehicle exhaust emissions, frequent accidents resulting in loss of life and property, and traffic congestion and confusion on the streets, which the Police are unable to control.”

We conducted a comprehensive study with recommendations for short-, medium-, and long-term implementation, covering all infrastructure sectors. Copies of this report were shared with the Government, the Mysuru City Corporation and the Police. The report, with its forward-looking perspective, remains largely relevant even today.

Mysuru, being a relatively small city renowned for its cultural and intellectual atmosphere and recognised globally as a heritage city, must protect its reputation. The authorities concerned must abandon the current scheme and take immediate steps to conduct a thorough traffic survey while initiating measures for the immediate implementation of the MRTS.

MRTS represents a sophisticated transportation infrastructure designed to address the mobility needs of a rapidly growing urban population. Unlike traditional modes of transportation, MRTS prioritises speed, efficiency and sustainability, making it a cornerstone in the creation of smart cities.

– H.R. Bapu Satyanarayana, Saraswathipuram, 10.1.2025

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