Bengaluru, 13 September (H.S.):

The Karnataka government is considering revising the working hours of schools and colleges in Bengaluru as part of efforts to reduce traffic congestion during peak hours and make daily travel easier for students, teachers and office-goers.

School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa said an appropriate decision would be taken soon after consultations with government departments and other stakeholders. The proposed changes are intended to prevent school and office timings from overlapping and adding to congestion on major roads.

A large number of school buses and private vehicles transporting children enter the roads during the morning and evening rush hours. This coincides with the movement of employees travelling to and from offices, particularly those working in Bengaluru’s information technology and biotechnology sectors.

Officials are examining whether school timings should be advanced or delayed by between 30 minutes and an hour. Government schools in Bengaluru currently function from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm. Teachers have requested the government to revise the schedule to 8.30 am to 3.30 pm, citing traffic-related difficulties and the prolonged travel time faced by students and staff.

Associations representing private schools have also sought changes to the existing timetable. However, the government is expected to study the possible impact on students, parents, teachers and transport arrangements before issuing a final order.

The Karnataka High Court had earlier advised the government to explore staggered working hours for schools, colleges and IT and biotechnology companies as part of a broader strategy to ease Bengaluru’s persistent traffic congestion.

The Education Department is expected to hold consultations with Bengaluru Traffic Police, parents, private school management associations and organisations representing school vehicle drivers. Representatives of colleges and other departments are also likely to participate in the discussions.

Officials said no final timetable had yet been approved. The government will consider suggestions from all stakeholders before deciding whether revised timings should apply uniformly across Bengaluru or vary according to locality and institution.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman