Bengaluru to get ‘one city-one mobility card’; Karnataka aims to ease congestion by March 2026

Citizens of Bengaluru will soon be able to travel across multiple transit modes using a single card and track their journeys through an integrated app, under Karnataka’s ambitious Mission ‘Free Traffic-2026’.

Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh convened a high-level meeting on September 24 with senior officials and urban experts to formulate a 90-day action plan, aiming for visible improvements in traffic flow, road conditions, and waste management by March 2026.

“The state government aims to visibly improve traffic flow, road conditions, and waste management in the city by March 2026,” Rajneesh said.

Also, read: Karnataka unveils 90-day action plan to fix Bengaluru’s infra woes, considers congestion pricing on ORR

Boosting public transport and connectivity

The meeting proposed a ‘One city-one mobility card’ initiative to promote public transport. A committee comprising Greater Bengaluru Authority, Urban Development Department, and Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) officials will study measures to improve first-and last-mile connectivity.

The system will integrate real-time data from BMTC and BMRCL, along with auto-rickshaw services through apps like Namma Yatri. While BMRCL rolled out the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) in March 2023, BMTC, which serves around 4 million daily commuters, has yet to accept NCMCs on its buses.

It may be recalled that Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin launched ‘Chennai One’ on September 22, a mobile app for seamless travel across buses, metro, suburban trains, and autos.

Also, read: National Common Mobility Card fails to make a mark in Bengaluru as bus agency is not on board

90-day action plan for traffic improvements

Mission ‘Free Traffic-2026’ will begin with the improvement of 1,600 km of city roads in the first month. In the second month, a public campaign titled “My Road, My Responsibility” will be launched, followed by private companies being encouraged to monitor civic upkeep in their operational areas.

Other measures include improving traffic safety at 75 junctions, providing small buses to underserved areas, connecting tech parks, and exploring a double-decker road at Varthur flyover,  a statement from CS said.

Outer Ring Road and congestion measures

An expert committee has been formed to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Outer Ring Road (ORR), including utility shifting, following joint site inspections and studies. The Urban Development Department will submit the proposal to the state cabinet by October 15, after which tenders will be invited.

Plans to promote carpooling and a FASTag-based congestion pricing system on ORR were also discussed, alongside immediate action to clear garbage, repair potholes, and ensure smooth drainage, a statement said.

Also,  a read: Why were road works not completed? Karnataka CM expresses displeasure over Bengaluru roads, sets one-month deadline to fix potholes

Parking management and roadworks

With Bengaluru’s vehicle population at 1.2 crore, of which 82 percent are two-wheelers, parking has become a pressing issue. Over 1,194 km of city roads will be designated as no-parking zones, with alternative parking areas identified and maintained through tenders to generate revenue. Fourteen towing vehicles will be deployed from the city corporations, and monthly parking passes will be introduced for citizens. Construction of 78 new skywalks and footpaths across the city will be taken up under public-private partnerships, replicating successful pedestrian-centric models in Electronic City and KR Puram.

All 174 ongoing roadworks will be fast-tracked under the e-Governance Contract Management System, with live dashboards tracking progress and quality. Pothole repairs will be monitored by third-party agencies, and strict action will be taken against poor-performing contractors. Waste management will be strengthened with designated quarries for C&D disposal, additional surveillance cameras to prevent littering, and fines for violators.

Also, read: BlackBuck CEO’s post on Bengaluru’s crumbling Outer Ring Road jolts Karnataka into action