To reduce traffic congestion and encourage sustainable mobility, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), in partnership with WRI India, has launched the BKC Weekly Public Transport Day initiative. Under the programme, employees and organisations operating in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) will be encouraged to use public transport or shared mobility options every Friday.
The initiative was announced on World Environment Day during a roundtable attended by senior government officials, transport authorities, corporate representatives and urban mobility experts. Participants collectively adopted a resolution aimed at increasing the use of public transport among the thousands of people who commute to the city’s premier business district every day.
According to MMRDA, BKC is one of India’s largest commercial hubs, supporting nearly two lakh formal jobs and an equal or greater number of informal jobs. The district houses 75 per cent of BSE Sensex companies and half of the firms listed on the Nifty 50 index.
Mobility data presented during the discussions highlighted the growing pressure on BKC’s transport infrastructure. The study found that 52 per cent of commuters currently rely on private vehicles, taxis or auto-rickshaws, while only 25 per cent use public transport. More than half of all commuters spend over two hours travelling each day, and nearly 20 per cent spend more than three hours commuting.
82% WOULD CONSIDER USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Survey findings also revealed a strong willingness among commuters to switch modes. Around 82 per cent of respondents said they would consider using public transport if services became more reliable, comfortable and convenient.
Speaking at the event, MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee said BKC could become a model for sustainable urban mobility. He noted that even a small shift towards public transport and shared travel could significantly reduce congestion, improve travel efficiency, lower carbon emissions and enhance quality of life.
BKC METRO DEVELOPING FASTER
The initiative comes at a time when public transport connectivity in BKC is expanding rapidly. MMRDA said Metro Line 3 has already improved access to parts of the district, while the upcoming Metro Lines 2B and 4 are expected to place almost the entire business hub within one kilometre of a metro station.
– Ends