On Christmas Eve, Bengaluru’s Phoenix Mall of Asia, situated in Yelahanka, drew record-breaking crowds, causing severe traffic bottlenecks in the northern part of the city. The mall, renowned for showcasing India’s tallest Christmas tree, attracted throngs of visitors, leaving vehicles stranded on Bellary Road, a crucial airport route, for over two hours.
Traffic authorities issued warnings, urging drivers to seek alternative roads as parking at the mall reached full capacity. With only 3,500 parking slots available, the weekend crowd—numbering 50,000 to 60,000—resulted in chaos. Many attendees parked their vehicles several kilometers away and walked the remaining distance.
Reports also revealed public outrage over steep fees—₹200 for walk-in entry and ₹150 for car parking—further fueling frustrations. Visitors criticized these charges, questioning the mall’s preparedness to handle such a surge.
This isn’t the first time Phoenix Mall of Asia has sparked controversy over congestion. Last year, authorities demanded the mall remain closed for 15 days due to similar issues. However, the management, after court intervention, assured improvements that seemingly remain insufficient.
The mall’s placement near main roads and limited infrastructure have prompted debates over urban planning and crowd control. Locals expressed dismay, pointing out that malls in global cities prioritize rear-road access and dedicated ramps for parking to avoid such gridlock.
As New Year celebrations approach, hotspots like MG Road, Indiranagar, and Koramangala are also bracing for increased visitor numbers and potential traffic chaos.
Bengaluru gears up for festive Christmas celebrations with traffic advisory
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