A viral video showing heavy congestion on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru Highway has captured the scale of long weekend travel, with vehicles lined up bumper-to-bumper for long stretches.
The clip, widely shared on social media, prompted users to joke that “half of Bengaluru will be in Chikmagalur,” highlighting the popularity of the destination during holidays.
Endless queue of vehicles
The footage shows a dense stream of cars crawling slowly, with little movement for extended periods. Travellers reported significant delays as the usual highway travel time stretched considerably due to the surge in vehicles.
Long weekend rush
The traffic build-up is attributed to a long weekend, which saw thousands of residents heading towards hill stations and coastal regions for short getaways.
Chikmagalur, known for its coffee estates and cool climate, remains one of the top choices for Bengaluru residents seeking a quick escape.
Social media reacts
Users reacted with humour and frustration, sharing their own travel experiences and warning others about peak-time congestion. Many pointed out that such traffic has become a regular feature during holidays.
Travel planning concerns
The incident highlights the need for better travel planning and staggered departures to avoid overcrowding on popular routes. Authorities often advise early starts or off-peak travel to minimise delays.
Growing pressure on highways
With increasing vehicle ownership and tourism demand, highways connecting Bengaluru to popular destinations are witnessing frequent congestion during weekends and holidays#Bengaluru #TrafficJam #Chikmagalur #LongWeekend #Travel #Karnataka #newskarnataka