A day after a traffic signal malfunction at Horamavu Junction caused massive congestion and delayed an ambulance, commuters have said the problem extends far beyond a technical fault, blaming poor traffic management and inadequate road planning for the daily gridlock.
Residents and motorists say long queues, extended waiting times and traffic bottlenecks have become a regular feature at one of Bengaluru’s busiest junctions, with many forced to alter their routes to avoid the area.
Congestion has become a daily ordeal
The issue came under renewed focus after a social media post highlighted a 15-minute standstill on Saturday when the traffic signal reportedly remained stuck on red. Several users also alleged that no traffic police personnel were present to manage the situation.
Regular commuters said vehicles travelling from Tin Factory towards Nagawara benefit from an underpass, allowing uninterrupted movement. However, motorists heading towards Horamavu and Banaswadi must use the surface road and wait at the signal, where delays are often significantly longer.
During peak hours, queues on the Horamavu approach reportedly stretch for nearly a kilometre.
Signal timing and roadworks blamed
Commuters claim that traffic signal timings do not adequately account for the heavy vehicle flow from the Horamavu side, resulting in prolonged waits even after traffic from intersecting roads has cleared.
Ongoing roadworks and concrete barricades have further worsened the situation by reducing a two-lane approach to a single usable lane, creating additional bottlenecks.
Residents also pointed to incomplete and unusable footpaths, forcing pedestrians onto the road and adding to traffic challenges.
Motorists seek lasting solutions
Many motorists said they have started taking longer alternative routes to avoid the junction, even if it adds extra distance to their journey.
Commuters have urged civic authorities and traffic police to improve signal synchronisation, deploy personnel more consistently, especially during weekends, and complete pending infrastructure works to ease congestion.
With Bengaluru continuing to grapple with increasing traffic volumes, residents say long-term planning and better junction management are essential to prevent Horamavu from becoming a permanent traffic bottleneck.