A Tale of Two Congested Cities

• In 2024, Kolkata and Bengaluru ranked second and third respectively among the world’s most congested cities (TomTom Index).

• Average travel time per 10 km:

  • Kolkata – 34 min 33 sec

  • Bengaluru – 34 min 10 sec

• Despite similar congestion and road conditions, their policy responses to urban mobility diverge sharply.

Shared Challenges, Divergent Responses

a) Similar Urban Constraints

• Narrow roads and high vehicle density

• Bengaluru: Highest number of private cars in India

• Kolkata: Highest vehicle density per kilometre in India

b) Different Mobility Strategies

• Kolkata: Adds more transport modes

• Bengaluru: Restricts or delays options

 Kolkata’s Multimodal Model: A Lesson in Accessibility

a) Comprehensive Transport Network

• India’s largest suburban railway

• Fast-expanding metro (oldest in India)

• Autos, e-rickshaws, yellow taxis, ride apps

• Bike taxis allowed and regulated since 2016

b) Supportive Infrastructure

• Well-maintained flyovers, roads, and street lighting

• Street-hailing of bike taxis offers flexibility

Bengaluru’s Restrictive Approach: A Self-Inflicted Crisis

a) Inadequate and Delayed Systems

• Metro construction sluggish

• Suburban rail projects stalled

• BMTC buses unreliable in peak hours

• Roads riddled with potholes

b) Absence of Affordable Last-Mile Options

• Bike taxis banned in June 2024

• No legal framework for e-rickshaws

• Auto-rickshaw fares high and often arbitrary

• Surge pricing ignored by online aggregators

• Citizens left with fewer choices and longer travel times

Legal Hurdles and Missed Opportunities

a) Regulatory Inaction

• Karnataka cites Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 to justify ban

• Court ruling: State must frame guidelines under Section 93 for legality

• State refuses to act, likely due to pressure from auto driver unions

b) Worsening Urban Conditions

• Loss of livelihood for bike taxi drivers

• Increased congestion and travel costs

• No regulation of auto or aggregator pricing

• Citizens bear the burden of policy paralysis

A Turning Point: New Central Guidelines

a) MoRTH Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025

• Released on July 1, 2025

• States may allow motorcycle aggregation for passenger journeys

• Karnataka now has the legal basis to regulate bike taxis

b) An Opportunity Bengaluru Cannot Afford to Miss

• Regulatory vacuum has ended

• State must act to restore mobility options and commuter trust

What Bengaluru Must Do: Policy Recommendations

a) Legalise and Regulate Bike Taxis

• Set safety, fare, and permit norms under new MoRTH guidelines

• Ensure fair competition with autos and cabs

b) Allow E-Rickshaws

• Ideal for narrow lanes and last-mile links

• Environmentally friendly and affordable

c) Invest in Public Transport

• Accelerate metro and suburban rail work

• Expand and modernise BMTC bus fleet

• Update auto-rickshaw fares and cap aggregator surcharges

Conclusion: Time to Look East

• Kolkata shows how urban congestion can be managed through inclusivity, options, and foresight.

• Bengaluru’s approach of limiting mobility only worsens its transport crisis.

• With new central guidelines in place, Karnataka has no excuse to delay reform.

• For a better future, Bengaluru must look east — and move forward.