Chitra Santhe This Sunday: How BMTC’s Special Buses Can Get You There Easily

With thousands of visitors expected to throng central Bengaluru for Chitra Santhe, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation has announced special metro feeder bus services to help people reach the venue smoothly on Sunday, January 4. The move is aimed at reducing traffic congestion and easing last-mile connectivity for visitors attending one of the city’s largest annual cultural events.

Chitra Santhe, organised by the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, will be held along Kumara Krupa Road from 8 am to 8 pm. Now in its 23rd edition, the one-day art fair brings together artists, collectors and art lovers from across Karnataka and other parts of the country, turning a long stretch of central Bengaluru into a pedestrian-only art zone.

Special

Feeder Services to Run All Day

To support the event, BMTC will operate special metro feeder buses throughout the day, aligning their timings with the fair’s schedule. The buses will run from 8 am to 8 pm, allowing visitors to plan their arrival and departure at any point during the day.

These feeder services are designed to connect key Namma Metro stations to Shivananda Circle, one of the main access points to the Chitra Santhe venue. Transport officials have urged visitors to use the metro and feeder buses instead of private vehicles, as traffic restrictions will be in place along several roads in the area.

Metro Stations Linked to the Venue

The special feeder buses will operate from major metro stations including Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Station at Majestic, Mantri Square Metro Station and Vidhana Soudha Metro Station. These stations were chosen to ensure easy access for commuters coming from different parts of the city using the metro network.

From these stations, feeder buses will ferry passengers directly to Shivananda Circle, from where visitors can walk to the fair area along Kumara Krupa Road. The arrangement is expected to significantly cut down walking distances and waiting time, especially for elderly visitors and families.

Traffic Restrictions Around the Fair

Chitra Santhe will stretch from Windsor Manor junction to Shivananda Circle, with some stalls extending towards Crescent Road. Given the scale of the event and the number of stalls, vehicular traffic will be restricted on these stretches for the entire day.

Police and civic authorities have put traffic diversion plans in place, and commuters have been advised to avoid the area unless they are visiting the fair. With parking space expected to be limited, officials say public transport remains the most practical way to reach the venue.

A Major Cultural Event for Bengaluru

Chitra Santhe has grown into a landmark cultural event for Bengaluru, showcasing paintings, sculptures, folk art, photography and mixed-media works. Artists from more than 22 states and union territories are expected to participate this year, with over 1,500 stalls lining the streets.

The fair attracts art lovers not just from Bengaluru but also from neighbouring districts and states, making transport planning a critical part of its execution every year.

Why Feeder Buses Matter

BMTC officials say the introduction of special feeder services reflects a broader push to integrate public transport with large public events. While Namma Metro serves as the backbone of city travel, feeder buses play a crucial role in bridging the gap between stations and final destinations.

By linking metro stations directly to the Chitra Santhe venue, BMTC aims to reduce reliance on private vehicles, ease congestion in central Bengaluru and provide a more convenient travel option for visitors.

What Visitors Should Know

Visitors planning to attend Chitra Santhe on January 4 are advised to use the metro and feeder buses, keep extra travel time in hand, and be prepared for road closures around the venue. With buses running throughout the day, organisers hope the transport arrangement will make it easier for people to enjoy the art fair without the usual stress of traffic and parking.