Bengaluru, India’s tech hub, enjoys a moderate climate and a welcome downpour when much of the country sizzles. In 2023, the city recorded 933.8 mm of rainfall. Yet, every monsoon reveals chronic urban failures—waterlogged roads, paralyzed traffic, and sky-high auto fares on ride-hailing apps like Ola, Uber, and Rapido.
Even for short rides, commuters face refusals or extortionate demands. One Indiranagar resident was asked ₹200 for a 1.5 km ride worth ₹60. Another waited two hours as drivers quoted ₹500 for 4 km.
Why this surge? Aggregator platforms promise efficiency using GPS and algorithms, but their systems falter during rain. Auto drivers cite clogged roads, mechanical risks, and uncertain routes as reasons to avoid bookings. Surge pricing exists, but safety concerns and weather unpredictability often outweigh incentives.
Since the bike taxi ban, these issues have worsened. Earlier, rain naturally shifted riders from bikes to autos. Now, with reduced alternatives, demand artificially inflates fares. Apps still calculate fare by distance, ignoring time delays due to flooding or diversions. This gap pushes drivers to demand cash tips or go offline entirely.
The urban infrastructure isn’t keeping up. Bengaluru’s population doubled from 5.7 million in 2001 to 11.5 million in 2022. BMTC’s bus fleet, meanwhile, grew by less than 8%. Metro fare hikes and lack of affordable last-mile options only deepen the crisis.
Bengaluru’s monsoon chaos isn’t just about rain or rickshaws—it’s a wake-up call about urban design, climate shifts, and how unprepared cities really are.