[sustran] TRAFFIC REFUSES TO DIE DOWN DESPITE BANGALORE METRO

[Vinay Baindur]

http://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/traffic-refuses-to-die-down-despite-metro/articleshow/59464349.cms


TRAFFIC REFUSES TO DIE DOWN DESPITE METRO
By Suchith Kidiyoor, Bangalore Mirror Bureau | Jul 6, 2017, 04.00 AM IST

[image: Traffic refuses to die down despite Metro]
When the entire 42-km stretch of Phase 1 of Namma Metro became operational
last month, it was expected to ease traffic congestion on Bengaluru’s roads.

However, contrary to popular belief, vehicle population in the city is
increasing at an alarming rate, and as a result, degrading ambient air
quality.

More than 70 lakh vehicles will be plying on the city’s roads by the end of
this month, say statistics. In May, the vehicle population was 69.31 lakh
-- this includes 48 lakh two-wheelers and 13.40 lakh cars.

The first stretch of Phase 1 of the Metro -- MG Road to Baiyappanahalli --
became operational in October 2011. And the last 12-km stretch of this
phase -- from Sampige Road to Yelachenahalli -- became operational in June
this year.

Strangely, during these six years, vehicle population in the city also
increased. For instance, in 2012, the vehicle population was 41.56 lakh;
now it has touched 69.31 lakh -- an increase of 27.75 lakh vehicles.

Transport department officials expect that number to go up further as
buying cars and two-wheelers has now become a much cheaper affair, thanks
to many automakers announcing reduction of prices after the implementation
of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

An official of a Regional Transport Office (RTO) confirmed this belief.
There will be a surge in vehicle-registration in the coming days after
announcements of reduction of car prices, the official said.

Transport commissioner B Dayananda said there has been an annual rise of 12
per cent in vehicle registrations in the city.

“Registration of vehicles is likely to increase in the coming days and GST
could be one of the main factors. We will assess the impact of GST on
registration of vehicles by the end of this month,” Dayananda said.

But the authorities are clearly not doing enough to curb traffic emissions.
When asked about the measures that the department is taking to counter the
adverse environmental impact from the rising number of vehicles, the
transport commissioner did not have much to say.