Sir,
Mysuru is witnessing a steady rise in traffic, driven by higher incomes and the growing affordability of cars and two-wheelers.
At the same time, increasing urbanisation and influx of people from nearby villages and suburbs are adding to the pressure on city roads.
If this trend continues, the city could soon reach a saturation point, making daily commuting difficult, with traffic conditions resembling peak Dasara days.
City buses remain the backbone of Mysuru’s public transport system. However, the fleet has not seen any significant expansion, with authorities largely replacing old buses rather than adding new ones, and many routes continuing along outdated patterns. This has led to calls for alternative transport options.
The proposal for a Metro Rail system has been discussed, but studies indicate it may not be viable for a city like Mysuru, where average commute distances are relatively short compared to larger cities such as Bengaluru. As a result, the Metro risks becoming more of a costly showpiece than a practical solution.
Experts say the focus should instead be on strengthening land-based transport, particularly buses, along with shared e-rickshaws for last-mile connectivity. Notably, Mysuru is yet to introduce electric city buses, which are faster, cleaner and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The current fleet of around 500 buses is widely seen as inadequate for a growing city. Concerns have also been raised that infrastructure efforts are tilted towards Highways and Ring Roads on the outskirts, which may end up attracting more vehicles and increasing accident risks, rather than improving public transport within the city.
The Central Government’s PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme, aimed at promoting electric buses, has not yet been implemented in Mysuru. In the absence of such initiatives, there are suggestions to explore app-based bus services like ‘Uber Shuttle’. For last-mile connectivity, regulated shared e-rickshaws and affordable bike taxis could offer practical solutions while also creating employment opportunities.
Though shared auto services are already operating in areas like Mahadevapura Main Road, they remain largely unregulated.
There have also been repeated suggestions to introduce circular and radial bus corridors with fixed frequency, on the lines of a Metro system, with a mix of air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned services. Experts point out that at the cost of a single Metro project, estimated between Rs.250 crore and Rs.500 crore, several such improvements could be implemented.
There is also a need to revive non-motorised transport initiatives. Earlier, efforts like the Trin Trin public bicycle-sharing system failed to gain widespread popularity, especially when compared to services like ‘Yulu’ in Bengaluru.
With traffic pressures mounting, there is a growing view that authorities must prioritise public transport, make use of schemes like PM e-Bus Sewa and develop a regulated last-mile connectivity network before congestion becomes unmanageable.
– Vasanth Ramu, Mysuru, 3.5.2026
You can also mail us your views, opinions, and stories to voice@starofmysore.com
This post was published on May 6, 2026 4:55 pm