Analysis of urban mobility and quality of life: North–South transit-oriented development (TOD) in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, India's Silicon Valley, faces severe mobility challenges due to rapid urbanization, population growth, and increasing reliance on private vehicles, resulting in traffic congestion, long commute times, and deteriorating air quality that undermine the quality of life. Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) offers a sustainable approach by integrating land use and transportation planning to reduce car dependency, promote compact development, and enhance accessibility. This Study examines the potential of TOD along the North–South Hebbal-Silk Board corridor, a critical axis with high transit demand and persistent congestion. The research uses secondary data from government reports, transportation studies, and site analyses to evaluate existing infrastructure, identify bottlenecks, and benchmark successful TOD strategies from global cities. Findings indicate that TOD implementation in Bengaluru can reduce travel times, increase public transit ridership, and improve non-motorized transport infrastructure while addressing environmental concerns through lower emissions and reduced sprawl. However, challenges remain in ensuring affordability, inclusivity, and effective inter-agency coordination. The Study concludes that TOD can serve as a transformative strategy for Bengaluru if supported by institutional integration, equity-oriented planning, and systematic monitoring. It further recommends scaling its application across other urban corridors in India to promote sustainable and inclusive urban growth.