Karnataka Considers New School Timings to Ease Bengaluru Traffic

The Karnataka government is considering changes to school timings in Bengaluru as part of efforts to tackle the city’s growing traffic congestion.

School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa said the government has received several requests from public groups and private school associations seeking changes to existing school hours.

He said no final decision has been taken yet. The government plans to consult traffic police officials, private school managements, school vehicle drivers’ associations, and parents before deciding on the new timings.

Officials are examining whether school hours should be moved by 30 minutes to one hour. The change could involve either starting schools earlier or pushing the opening time later.

The proposal is aimed at reducing the overlap between school traffic and the daily rush of office commuters. Large numbers of school buses, vans, and private vehicles currently take to Bengaluru’s roads during peak hours, adding to congestion on major routes.

The move also comes after earlier observations by the Karnataka High Court, which suggested staggering school and work timings among educational institutions and corporate offices to help reduce traffic pressure across the city.

The government is expected to take a decision after completing discussions with the concerned stakeholders.