To:
M N Anucheth, IPS
Joint Commissioner of Police, Traffic
Bengaluru City Traffic Police,

Amaresh H
Deputy Commissioner of BBMP,

and

The Hon’ble Minister of Transport,
Government of Karnataka

Respected Sir/Madam,

We, the undersigned citizens and daily commuters of Bengaluru, respectfully submit this petition to bring your urgent attention to a pressing concern that affects thousands of residents who are striving to reduce traffic congestion and pollution by using the Namma Metro system for their long-distance commutes.

While we are fully supportive of and grateful for the development of the metro network, we face several barriers that prevent us from making a smooth transition to public transport- particularly for those who rely on cars for first-mile and last-mile connectivity.

Current Challenges:

Lack of Legal and Safe Parking Near Metro Stations:

• Commuters who drive from far-off areas and want to park near metro stations are often penalized or towed due to lack of designated parking spaces.
• There are no provisions like Metro Parking Permits or Commuter Stickers to protect those trying to make responsible transit choices.
• It has been observed that on some roads under elevated Metro stations, certain commercial establishments such as restaurants and pubs are allowed to valet park guest vehicles through arrangements with local authorities, while private commuter vehicles are penalised along those same stretches.
  
  

Metro Feeder Connectivity is Inadequate:

• Feeder buses are either absent or too infrequent to be relied on for regular commuting.
• BMTC buses are overcrowded, especially during peak hours, and the frequency of services appears to have decreased, making them unviable for comfortable travel.

Inadequate Footpath Infrastructure:

• With no proper car parking near metro stations and overcrowded buses, many of us are forced to walk long distances just to access the metro. The footpaths are often broken, uneven, and dangerously riddled with open sewage lines—putting lives at serious risk every day.
• In many areas, 2-wheelers frequently use footpaths, creating serious risks for pedestrians.
• As a result, many people are forced to walk on roads, which is unsafe and defeats the purpose of encouraging public or sustainable transport.

These are just a few photos from a one-kilometre stretch of footpath along ITPL Main Road, linking a major residential area to the Seetharam Palya Metro Station. 

Most residents here pay nearly 30 percent of their income in taxes, yet walking to the metro feels like a gamble. One wrong step on a broken slab could land us in a drain. With footpaths in such poor condition, many are forced to drive even short distances. This is why safe car parking near metro stations is not a luxury. It is essential for those who want to use public transport but cannot risk unsafe walks.

Why Car Parking Matters:

Single-passenger cars are one of the biggest contributors to traffic congestion in Bengaluru. 
Supporting private car users in parking near metro stations would:

• Encourage more people to use public transport for long-distance travel.
  Reduce traffic volume, especially during peak hours.
• Lower fuel consumption and pollution in the city.
• Help people gradually shift away from car dependency.

In contrast, 2-wheelers occupy less road space and already have relatively better access to parking near metro stations. Therefore, this request is specifically aimed at easing the transition for car users, who currently do not have a viable alternative to full-length car commutes.

Our Requests:

To support citizens who are actively trying to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions by using the metro, we request the following urgent actions:

Designate Legal Car Parking Zones Near Metro Stations:

• Create affordable, legal parking zones specifically for cars used by metro commuters.
• Introduce a Metro Commuter Parking Sticker system that allows cars used exclusively for metro access to park legally near stations. These vehicles should be permitted to park under elevated metro tracks in areas with wide roads where traffic flow is not impacted. They should also be exempt from fines or towing. This initiative will support not just nearby businesses but also encourage daily commuters to switch from private vehicles to public transport.
• Partner with private buildings or lots near metro stations to create paid parking facilities.

Improve Footpath Safety and Usability:

• Give pedestrians the safety and dignity they deserve. Repair and maintain footpaths along key routes used for daily commutes.
• Enforce strict penalties for 2-wheelers using footpaths.
• Ensure clear, walkable pedestrian paths that are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.

Strengthen Metro Feeder Connectivity:

• Increase the number and frequency of metro feeder buses from surrounding neighbourhoods.
• Consider electric auto or shared cab zones at key stations for last-mile connectivity.
   

Conclusion:

Improving pedestrian infrastructure and providing safe and legal car parking near metro stations is not just a convenience: it’s a critical step toward solving Bengaluru’s traffic crisis. Thousands of commuters are ready to switch from single-occupancy car commutes to metro travel, but without proper parking and last-mile access, they are left with no viable alternative.

These few upgrades can significantly reduce road congestion, cut emissions, and ease the burden on urban infrastructure. It's a low-investment, high-impact solution that supports your ongoing efforts to promote sustainable transport.

We urge you to take immediate action and lead the way in making metro access truly practical for car users. We're ready to support awareness campaigns or pilot programs to bring this vision to life.

Let’s make Bengaluru a model city for smart, commuter-focused mobility.

Sincerely,

Ishan Mukherjee
im.ishanmukherjee@gmail.com
Kundalahalli

With support from concerned citizens and commuters of Bengaluru