Nikhil Kamath Ponders with Police: What’s Up with Bengaluru’s Traffic Jam Jamboree?
Bengaluru, known for its vibrant tech scene, is also infamous for its traffic jams. In 2024, the city was ranked as the third most congested city in the world. To tackle this pressing issue, Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath recently sat down with top police officials to discuss potential solutions.
Bengaluru’s Traffic Woes
Bengaluru has earned a reputation for its frustrating traffic conditions. With over 1.23 crore registered vehicles for a population of 1.5 crore, the city has a staggering vehicle density of 872 vehicles per 1,000 people. This figure surpasses that of other major cities like Mumbai and Delhi, making traffic a hot topic among residents.
The Impact of the IT Boom
During his podcast, Kamath spoke with Commissioner of Police B Dayananda and Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) MN Anucheth. Anucheth explained that the explosive growth of the tech industry since 2000 has not been matched by infrastructure development. The city’s vehicle population doubled from 56 lakh to 1.12 crore between 2013 and 2023, leading to significant congestion.
Public Transport Challenges
Anucheth highlighted the lack of robust public transport options in Bengaluru. Before the introduction of the metro, the only public transport available was the BMTC buses. Unlike cities such as Kolkata and Delhi, which have extensive public transport systems, Bengaluru has struggled to keep pace with its growing population and vehicle numbers.
Kamath’s Personal Experience
Kamath shared his own frustrations with the ongoing metro construction near his home, which has been in progress for a decade. He also revealed that he recently purchased a house in Bengaluru, a shift from his previous philosophy of renting. This personal investment reflects his commitment to the city, despite its traffic challenges.
As Bengaluru continues to grapple with its traffic issues, discussions like these may pave the way for innovative solutions to improve the daily commute for its residents.
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