The recent heavy rainfall in Bengaluru has resulted in a significant traffic crisis, leading to widespread frustration among residents. Reports of being stuck in traffic for hours after the downpour on Monday are flooding social media, prompting many to question the livability of the city due to its worsening traffic woes.
Rainfall and Traffic Disruptions
Bengaluru experienced continuous heavy rainfall from 2 am on Monday, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) recording 74mm of rain in a 24-hour period at its city observatory on Palace Road. This extensive rainfall led to severe waterlogging on key routes, exacerbating the already notorious traffic problems in the city.
Social Media Reactions
The traffic chaos has prompted a wave of frustration on social media platforms. X user @AvgIndians shared their experience, stating, “Just another day on the Bellandur Lake Road. 45 minutes in the same spot. Monday morning meeting missed with half my colleagues on the same road. Bengaluru is becoming uninhabitable. Where’s tax money going? Where are the traffic police?”
Just another day on the #Bellandur lake road. 45 mins on the same spot. Monday morning meeting missed with half my colleagues on the same road.
Bengaluru becoming uninhabitable.
Where’s tax money going?Where are the traffic police? @nsitharaman @nsitharamanoffc @Jointcptraffic pic.twitter.com/ndBPHs9BYm
— A (@AvgIndians) August 12, 2024
Another user, Deepak (@dpak_v), expressed dismay at the state of the roads: “I had to return home seeing the traffic. Looks scary. Feel very sorry for the school-going kids who are stuck in this traffic for no fault of theirs! This is a crime against them; many of them might be having breakfast at school!”
Bumper to bumper traffic in e city flyover. Stuck for past 2 hours. #electroniccity #bengalurutraffic @blrcitytraffic pic.twitter.com/HEHpTMYStM
— Ramachandran R (@ramacr1150) August 12, 2024
Souvik (@Souvik2406) highlighted the impact on travel, writing, “Huge traffic from E-City towards Silk Board. I was stuck here for over an hour. I pity those passengers who got down midway traveling towards KIA to catch their flight. Take diversion via Ulsoor Lake.”
IMD Alerts and Future Concerns
The IMD has issued warnings for continued heavy rainfall across Bengaluru and surrounding regions, including central Karnataka, coastal districts, and areas bordering Karnataka and Maharashtra, starting from Wednesday. The alerts also mention the possibility of waterlogging and flash floods, raising concerns about further disruptions.
Conclusion
The combination of severe rainfall and inadequate drainage has led to severe traffic congestion in Bengaluru, impacting daily commutes and essential services. The ongoing weather conditions and future alerts suggest that residents may face continued challenges with traffic and potential flooding in the near future.
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