Car-free day, tech park shuttles proposed on congested ORR

Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Traffic Police has suggested a monthly corporate car-free day and shuttle connectivity between technology parks to reduce private vehicle use and ease congestion on the Outer Ring Road.Under the proposal, companies would nominate one day every month as a car-free day, when employees would be encouraged not to bring private cars into corporate campuses. The initial framework suggests using entry-gate records and parking occupancy to monitor compliance.BTP’s suggestion on inter-tech park shuttle system aims to reduce short-distance private vehicle trips on the ORR, where employees frequently travel between nearby campuses for meetings, vendor coordination and shared facilities.According to BTP, similar shared shuttle loops in Gurugram’s business districts have helped reduce private trips, parking churn and travel uncertainty. The system could also improve pedestrian safety by enabling employees to move between campuses without using busy ORR footpaths or making unsafe crossings.Bengaluru city police commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh told DH, “We are trying to gather opinions on these proposals aimed at easing traffic congestion. It will help significantly on the ORR by taking vehicles off the roads. Operating dedicated shuttles at regular commuting intervals for large complexes like those with 1,000 flats has proven to be a success in other parts of the country.”Over 600 booked for drunk driving as BTP cracks down on violatorsThe suggestion has, however, prompted questions from industry representatives over whether such a measure can be mandated.An ORRCA spokesperson said, “Forcing employees out of their cars will not work. Companies should encourage staff instead of stopping them at the gate.” He also pointed out it is unclear who will pay for the new shuttles, especially since many companies already offer their own buses.He stressed that the city needs better pavements and regular public buses first before asking people to leave their cars at home.“It could catch on naturally as people see others doing it. It is a good idea, but you can’t force it. The campaign must be driven consciously, with all companies involved and clear messaging,” he added.Srinivas Alavilli, a Fellow at WRI India, told DH that Car-Free Days are a practical way to show that reducing vehicles is the most effective approach to lowering congestion and pollution. He said that while Whitefield and Electronics City already have metro access, the ORR is still waiting for the Blue Line.However, he noted that commuters can take the Purple Line to KR Puram or the Yellow Line to Silk Board and switch to BMTC buses to reach the tech parks, a route many already use. Since many ORR commuters live in the Sarjapur Road–Haralur belt, he added that running additional buses would significantly support the initiative.Citing a similar model, he mentioned that Mumbai’s financial district, Bandra Kurla Complex, has been running a “Friday Public Transport Day” campaign since June 2026 with corporate support. He noted that this effort has expanded bus services, prompted studies to improve last-mile connectivity and walkability.Regarding potential overcrowding, he explained that because the proposal allows companies to pick any day of the month, a sudden rush is unlikely and even if it happens, BMTC can handle the demand. He also noted that existing inter-campus shuttles at major tech parks are unlikely to face extra strain.He also emphasised that traffic police and parking data can easily measure the project’s impact, providing insights into travel patterns on the ORR until the Blue Line opens. He added that the ongoing Corporate Commute Nudge programme at Biocon in Electronics City proves employees are willing to switch to public transport if companies encourage them.

Source: Deccan Herald