₹400 Cr B-SMILE Project Brings Back Bengaluru's Bus Lane

Bengaluru’s bus priority lane is set to make a comeback under the ₹400 crore B-SMILE (Bengaluru Sustainable Mobility and Integrated Lifestyle Enhancement) project, led by the Greater Bengaluru Authority.

First introduced in 2019 between Silk Board and KR Puram, the dedicated bus lane had successfully reduced commute times but was discontinued due to Metro construction and the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, it will be reintroduced with enhanced infrastructure, digital traffic monitoring, and active community engagement.

B-SMILE aims to build an inclusive and integrated transport network along the city’s key IT corridors by seamlessly connecting buses, Metro services, pedestrian zones, and cycling tracks.

As part of the initiative, the Outer Ring Road (ORR) will be redesigned to feature three carriageways for mixed traffic, bi-directional cycling lanes, wide footpaths, sheltered bus stops, and safe boarding zones.

RK Mishra, Independent Director at B-SMILE, emphasized the project’s focus on sustainable, people-centric mobility. Technical Director BS Prahalad added that the redesign will prioritize all modes of transport equally to ensure balanced urban mobility.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.