Transforming Bangalore’s Public Transport: Strategies for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions (SDG 13)

Abstract

The following research paper helps in understanding the future intentions of Bangalore’s public transportation systems. Through thorough research and investigation, it found out that Bangalore’s rapid urbanisation strained its public transport system, which led to an increased dependence on private vehicles and rising greenhouse gas emissions. This research was aligned with the Self Development Goal 13, which investigates how targeted improvements in Bangalore’s public transportation would help reduce those carbon emissions. The research found that Bangalore’s public transport is underutilized due to concerns over cleanliness, overcrowding, and safety, leading to high private vehicle dependence and increased emissions. While the government plans to expand metro services, introduce 13,500 e-buses by 2030, and integrate transit modes, progress remains slow, and promotion is lacking. Learning from global cities like London and Singapore, strategies such as congestion pricing, improved traffic management, and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) can enhance efficiency. Public opinion suggests that if safety, cleanliness, and accessibility improve, more people would shift to public transport. Prioritizing these improvements can significantly cut emissions and make Bangalore’s transport system more sustainable.

Introduction

Summary

Context

Bangalore, India’s tech hub, faces rising traffic congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to rapid urban growth and increased reliance on private vehicles. The study addresses UN SDG 13: Climate Action, focusing on how improving public transport could help mitigate climate impacts in the city.

Objectives

• Assess public transport infrastructure in Bangalore.

• Identify strategies to reduce GHG emissions by 2030.

• Explore public perception and readiness to shift to sustainable transport.

Methodology

• Mixed-method approach using both primary and secondary data.

  • Primary Data: Surveys and expert interviews gauging public opinion, transport preferences, and awareness.

  • Secondary Data: Review of policy documents, emission statistics, and case studies from cities like London, Singapore, and Tokyo.

Key Findings

• Rapid vehicle growth: From 15.96 lakh in 2001–02 to 61.12 lakh in 2017–18, indicating a growing preference for private transport.

• Public hesitation: People avoid public transport due to overcrowding, lack of cleanliness, safety concerns, and poor promotion by the government.

• Positive intent: Many respondents showed a willingness to switch to public transport if it helped reduce emissions.

Planned Interventions

Bangalore's future transport strategy includes:

• 13,500 electric buses by 2030 (2,500 by 2024).

• Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) to integrate metro, buses, and rail.

• Improved road networks, pedestrian, and cycling infrastructure.

• Suburban Rail Project to connect outskirts with central districts.

• Emphasis on emission reduction and better urban air quality.

Conclusion

This research highlights that targeted improvements in Bangalore’s public transport system can play a huge role in cutting emissions and making the city more sustainable. Expanding the metro, increasing electric buses, and implementing policies that prioritize public transport are some of the most effective solutions. For future research, it would be useful to explore the economic feasibility of these changes and potential policy challenges. Looking at funding options, technological advancements, and how commuter behavior changes over time will be key to long-term success. With the right approach, Bangalore can create a cleaner, more efficient, and climate-friendly transport system.

References

Government Reports & Policy Documents [1] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (India). National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP). Retrieved fromhttps://mohua.gov.in/ [2] Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. Namma Metro Expansion Plan. Retrieved from https://english.bmrc.co.in/ [3] Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). Annual Transport Report 2024. Retrieved from https://www.mybmtc.karnataka.gov.in/ [4] Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB). Transport Emissions Report. Retrieved from https://kspcb.karnataka.gov.in/ [5] Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Bangalore’s Air Quality & Traffic Congestion Study. Retrieved fromhttps://iisc.ac.in/ Research Papers & Journal Articles [6] Shrivastava, R., & Mohan, D. (2022). Sustainable Urban Mobility: Challenges and Solutions for Indian Cities. Journal of Urban Planning. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/home/upm [7] Agarwal, P., & Banerjee, S. (2023). Impact of Metro Rail on GHG Emissions in Bangalore. Environmental Research Letters. Retrieved from https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1748-9326 [8] World Bank. (2021). Green Mobility Strategies for Emerging Economies. Retrieved fromhttps://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/transport [9] Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. (2023). Urban Congestion and Public Transport Efficiency in India. Retrieved from https://home.iitd.ac.in/ Case Studies from Global Cities [10] Transport for London (TfL). London’s Congestion Charge and Public Transport Success. Retrieved fromhttps://tfl.gov.uk/ [11] Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA). How Singapore Reduced Private Car Dependency. Retrieved fromhttps://www.lta.gov.sg/ [12] Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). Delhi Metro’s Role in Cutting Urban Emissions. Retrieved fromhttp://www.delhimetrorail.com/ [13] Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Integrating Multi-Modal Transport for a Low-Carbon Future. Retrieved from https://www.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/english/ Media Reports & News Articles [14] The Hindu. (2024). Why Bangalore’s Traffic Woes Are Getting Worse. Retrieved fromhttps://www.thehindu.com/ [15] Times of India. (2023). BMTC’s Plan to Electrify Its Bus Fleet. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ [16] The Indian Express. (2024). Bangalore’s Metro Expansion and the Future of Public Transport. Retrieved fromhttps://indianexpress.com/ [17] BBC News. (2023). How Asian Cities Are Fighting Air Pollution Through Transport Policies. Retrieved fromhttps://www.bbc.com/news Web Resources & Databases [18] International Energy Agency (IEA). India’s Transport Emissions Data. Retrieved fromhttps://www.iea.org/ [19] United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Goal 13: Climate Action & Urban Transport. Retrieved fromhttps://sdgs.un.org/goals [20] Global Carbon Atlas. CO? Emission Trends in Indian Cities. Retrieved from http://www.globalcarbonatlas.org/en/ [21] Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). Urban Mobility Reports & Future Plans. Retrieved from https://eng.bdabangalore.org/ Expert Interviews & Survey Data [22] Citizen Matters. Bangalore Transport Issues. Retrieved fromhttps://citizenmatters.in/ [23] Centre for Science and Environment. India’s Urban Air Quality and Transport Impact. Retrieved fromhttps://www.cseindia.org/ [24] Bangalore Smart City. Public Transport Initiatives & Sustainable Mobility. Retrieved fromhttps://www.smartcitybangalore.org/

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Dev Jain. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.