A determined campaign led by Kaggadasapura resident Shachi Pathak culminated in the launch of Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation’s (BMTC) Metro Feeder Bus 314A/1 on July 19, connecting Kaggadasapura and C V Raman Nagar to S.V. Road Metro Station. The service, driven by a petition with over 400 signatures, addresses long-standing demands for better public transport, benefiting residents, Bagmane Tech Park employees, and DRDO workers.

Pathak, a 44-year-old former software engineer turned civic volunteer, spearheaded the campaign after a 2023 feeder bus (MF-1F) bypassed Kaggadasapura. “Persuasion and community engagement were key,” Pathak told PTI, reflecting on her experience mobilizing neighbors and apartment associations. She collected 400 signatures and presented them to BMTC’s Chief Traffic Management Officer, Prabhakar Reddy, on April 27, 2025, prompting a route survey in May-June.

The campaign faced hurdles, including damaged roads and initial BMTC reluctance. Post-Lok Sabha election momentum in mid-2024, bolstered by social media outreach on platforms like X, Instagram, and WhatsApp, revitalized efforts. Pathak’s groups fostered community connections, from Kannada learning to supporting women entrepreneurs, amplifying the campaign’s reach.

Also Read: Terror Scare in Bengaluru: Explosives Found in Carry Bag Outside Busy BMTC Bus Stand

The feeder bus, operating mornings and evenings, covers key stops like Lakshmi Hospital Junction, DRDO quarters, and Bagmane Tech Park. Resident Milan Vernekar noted, “The frequency needs improvement, and a smaller bus would suit our narrow roads, but it’s a great start.”

Inspired by HSR Layout’s successful feeder bus campaign, backed by the Directorate of Urban Land Transport’s SuMA initiative, Pathak’s effort highlights the power of collective action. HSR’s Shashidhara K shared, “Our three-year planning with resident feedback ensured buses every 5-8 minutes, making them a habit.” Kaggadasapura’s victory sets a model for citizen-driven change in Bengaluru.

Also Read: CBI Nabs Fugitive in ₹12.63 Crore Bank Fraud After 7-Year Hunt