Bengaluru: Heavy rain triggered waterlogging and traffic disruptions across several parts of Bengaluru, leaving commuters struggling on Monday evening and Tuesday morning. Water accumulation was reported on key roads including stretches around Thubarahalli, Varthur Kodi, BGS Flyover, Marathahalli, Kadubeesanahalli and KR Puram.
The rain brought some relief from Bengaluru’s recent warm conditions but also created fresh problems for motorists, with slow-moving traffic reported at several busy junctions. Traffic police issued advisories asking commuters to drive cautiously, avoid sudden braking and consider alternative routes wherever possible.
Waterlogging slows traffic in several areas
The Bengaluru Traffic Police reported slow movement from Thubarahalli towards Varthur Kodi amid intermittent rain and waterlogging. Motorists were advised to maintain lane discipline and use alternative roads where possible.
Vehicular movement was also affected on the BGS Flyover under the Chamarajapet traffic police station limits after rainwater accumulated on the stretch. Traffic police personnel were seen clearing clogged drain inlets to improve water flow.
The disruption was not limited to eastern Bengaluru. Traffic pile-ups were reported at B Narayanapura Main Road, Marathahalli, Kadubeesanahalli, Krishnarajapuram Outer Ring Road, SJP Road, Mahatma Gandhi Road and Queen’s Road.
The New Indian Express reported that normal traffic flow in and around Whitefield was also affected following the rain, with the traffic police advising commuters to consider alternative routes.
Rain affects peak-hour commute
The latest spell of rain arrived during a period when Bengaluru roads were already carrying heavy traffic. Waterlogging on busy stretches added to travel delays as motorists had to slow down while navigating flooded sections.
According to Bangalore Mirror, Bengaluru city recorded 22.8 mm of rain between 8.30 am and 8.30 pm on Monday. Among automatic weather stations, GKVK recorded 46 mm, while Bengaluru Urban recorded 24 mm.
Rainfall was unevenly distributed across the city. Local weather observations cited by the publication recorded 39.8 mm in Banashankari, 37.4 mm in Whitefield, 36.2 mm in Kammanahalli and 35.2 mm in Marathahalli. Rajarajeshwari Nagar recorded 29.8 mm, while Yelahanka and BIAL Airport Road recorded around 29 mm each.
The uneven rainfall meant that some areas experienced significant waterlogging while others saw comparatively less disruption.
Thubarahalli-Varthur Kodi stretch faces waterlogging
The Thubarahalli-Varthur Kodi corridor emerged as one of the affected stretches. Traffic police warned motorists about slow movement caused by waterlogging and intermittent rain.
The advisory asked motorists to reduce speed on wet roads and avoid sudden braking. Commuters were also asked to maintain lane discipline and use alternative routes where feasible. In an emergency, motorists were advised to contact 112.
The area is among Bengaluru’s busy eastern corridors, carrying substantial commuter traffic towards Whitefield and surrounding residential and commercial areas.
BGS Flyover traffic slows after rainwater accumulates
The BGS Flyover in the Chamarajapet area was another location where rainwater accumulation affected vehicular movement.
Traffic police personnel reportedly worked to clear debris, plastic waste and silt that had blocked drainage inlets. The accumulation of water slowed traffic on the flyover and required motorists to exercise caution.
Such incidents once again highlight how quickly localised heavy rain can affect road movement in Bengaluru, particularly when drainage points become blocked.
Rain brings drop in Bengaluru temperature
The rainfall also brought a noticeable change in Bengaluru’s weather after a period of unusually warm conditions.
According to the India Meteorological Department, Bengaluru City recorded 15.9 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Sunday, with the minimum temperature falling to 20.4°C. The rain provided relief from the recent warm weather but also led to waterlogging and difficult driving conditions in several parts of the city.
The recent weather pattern has been marked by sharp variations in rainfall across Bengaluru, with some neighbourhoods receiving considerably higher amounts than others.
IMD forecasts more rain in Karnataka
The latest rainfall spell comes as the IMD has forecast further wet weather across Karnataka.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall in the state over the next three days, linked to a developing low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal and the withdrawal phase of the Southwest Monsoon. An orange alert has been issued across Karnataka for Wednesday, while a red alert has been issued for coastal Karnataka for Thursday. An orange alert is also forecast for the South Interior Karnataka region.
Rain is expected to continue over parts of South Interior Karnataka and coastal Karnataka on Friday, with some locations likely to receive very intense showers.
For Bengaluru commuters, further rain could mean renewed waterlogging on vulnerable stretches, particularly during peak traffic hours.
Commuters advised to exercise caution
Traffic authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution while travelling through waterlogged stretches. Slow driving, avoiding sudden braking and maintaining lane discipline can help reduce the risk of skidding and collisions on wet roads.
Motorists are also advised to check traffic updates before starting their journey and consider alternative routes when waterlogging is reported.
The latest disruption shows how even a relatively short spell of rain can have a significant effect on Bengaluru’s road network. With more rain forecast over Karnataka in the coming days, commuters may need to prepare for further delays and localised waterlogging.