Karnataka has a broad transportation network linking coastal ports, plateau cities, industrial centers, and rural districts, though quality and capacity vary considerably.
### Roads and highways - The state is connected by **National Highways** and an extensive **state highway** system. - Bengaluru is a major road junction, with expressway and ring-road development playing a large role in regional mobility. - Important road links connect Karnataka to Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Goa, and Kerala.
### Public transit - **Buses:** State-run and private buses are central to mobility. The **Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)** and related regional transport undertakings serve intercity and rural routes. - **Urban buses:** Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, and other cities operate city bus systems. - **Metro:** **Namma Metro** in Bengaluru is the state’s only metro rail system and continues to expand.
### Rail - Karnataka is served by the **Indian Railways** network. - Major rail hubs include **Bengaluru**, **Mysuru**, **Hubballi**, **Mangaluru**, **Belagavi**, and **Kalaburagi**. - Rail is important for passenger movement, freight, mining, and port connectivity.
### Airports - **Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru** is the state’s main international gateway. - Other important airports include **Mangaluru International Airport**, **Mysuru Airport**, **Hubballi Airport**, **Belagavi Airport**, **Kalaburagi Airport**, and some smaller facilities.
### Ports - **New Mangalore Port** is Karnataka’s principal major seaport. - The coast also has fishing harbors and smaller port facilities.
### Local mobility - Taxis, auto-rickshaws, app-based rideshare services, and private two-wheelers are widely used in urban areas. - Bengaluru has growing but uneven **bicycle infrastructure** and active walking advocacy, though car and two-wheeler dominance remains strong. - EV charging infrastructure is expanding, especially in Bengaluru and along some highway corridors.
### Challenges - Severe congestion in Bengaluru - Last-mile connectivity gaps - Road safety concerns - Rural road maintenance disparities - Landslide and flooding disruptions in some monsoon-prone western districts