BKC Goes Car Free on Fridays From June 12

Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) is preparing to launch a new program aimed at decreasing congestion and encouraging sustainable travel. Every Friday will be designated as ‘Public Transport Day’, with approximately 200,000 professionals encouraged to take the train, metro, or bus instead of driving their own cars. The program, a first-of-its-kind initiative centered on a major corporate district, will begin this week, on June 12.

Why was Friday chosen?

Around 90 BKC-based firms and organisations have shown their support in principle to the initiative. It is being implemented by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) in collaboration with BEST, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL), the Traffic Police, auto-rickshaw unions, and WRI India, according to the Hindustan Times (HT).

According to authorities, Fridays were chosen because work schedules are often more flexible near the end of the week, making employees more ready to try other transport options. Mondays were avoided since commuters are normally under more strain to get to work on time.

The MMRDA has also directed almost 2,000 employees and contract workers to engage in the campaign.

How long will the trial last?

Officials stated that the program will be rigorously watched for at least three to four months. During this time, authorities will assess difficulties every week and implement changes as needed.

The move comes after surveys and stakeholder consultations conducted in recent weeks. According to the findings, 82% of commuters would consider taking public transportation if services were more reliable, convenient, and well-connected.

What issues are commuters most concerned about?

According to feedback obtained during conversations, the most pressing issues concern last-mile connectivity from Aqua Line metro stations, pedestrian amenities within BKC, a lack of shade for pedestrians, and the need for more regular BEST bus services.

“Getting out of the metro station is quick, but finding a shared auto or a feeder bus to cover the remaining one to two kilometers inside BKC is a daily nightmare,” an executive from a big financial firm told HT.

“If last-mile connectivity isn’t smooth, people will naturally return to their vehicles. There is a need for robust bus services with frequencies of 5-10 minutes instead of the current 20-25 minutes.”

Why do so many commuters still use private vehicles?

According to MMRDA officials, poor last-mile connectivity remains a significant barrier.

“There are challenges with last-mile connection in BKC, therefore 52% of visitors still rely on personal cars, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. Furthermore, more than half of BKC’s 200,000 employees spend more than two hours commuting each day. We will also consult with the auto-rickshaw unions to ensure that this plan is effective,” an MMRDA official told HT.

According to studies provided during debates, 52% of commuters still rely on private vehicles, taxis, and auto-rickshaws, while only 25% use public transportation on a daily basis.

Experts cited poor last-mile connections from Aqua Line stations and insufficient pedestrian infrastructure as major causes for low public transportation usage.

What upgrades are planned?
Authorities and partner agencies have been working with BKC businesses to find urgent and long-term solutions.

Dedicated turning facilities for BEST buses at major junctions are one of the concepts being considered to increase service efficiency. Officials are also looking into whether internal roadways on large office campuses may be made pedestrian-friendly to provide shorter walking routes.

Urban mobility experts indicated that boosting walkability will be critical to the initiative’s success. They observed that walking in BKC is uncomfortable due to the broad concrete expanses and lack of tree protection, especially in hot weather.

Planners have proposed shaded pedestrian pathways, more tree cover, and better connections between metro stations and office buildings.

“There are long-term plans such as all-weather footpaths as well wherein we can have shades with plants overarching the roofs, mist blowers and plain footpath among other things,” an urban planner stated.

How will you persuade staff to participate?

Officials and corporate representatives have also explored incentives for behavioral change. Regular public transportation users could benefit from reward systems, recognition programs, and travel expense compensation.

“Meaningful change starts with each of us. My entire staff and I have committed to supporting this initiative by taking public transportation on Fridays. Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, metropolitan commissioner of MMRDA, told HT that even little changes can dramatically cut congestion and pollution.

Walking Project’s programme manager, Vedant Mhatre, applauded the effort, saying it might assist enhance both public transportation utilization and walking conditions in BKC.

“The project acknowledges the need to shift more trips to public transportation. We hope it will also provide an opportunity to make basic but significant changes to BKC’s walking infrastructure, such as safer junctions, better walking corridors, improved shading, and increased pedestrian comfort. These steps can considerably improve the experience of walking and taking public transportation. We are thrilled that MMRDA has taken the lead on this endeavor, and the Walking Project is eager to contribute feedback, suggestions, and practical improvements.”