Bengaluru:
As Diwali approaches, Bengaluru’s streets are unusually quiet, with many residents having left for the holiday. The city, known for its notorious traffic jams, is experiencing an unexpected calm, offering a rare glimpse of smooth commutes.
Commuters have noted the stark contrast to the usual hustle and bustle. One remarked, “Umm, half of Bangalore is empty, which means I can reach Indiranagar in 15 mins, MG Road in 20 mins, and the airport in an hour. But what am I doing instead? Going to my client’s office for a meeting.” Another observed, “What do I do in Bangalore? Roads are empty. Seems like everyone except Bangaloreans live in Bangalore.”
Social media posts echo these sentiments, with users highlighting the emptiness of major cities during the festive season. One succinctly summed it up: “Bengaluru situation right now. Deepavali guys stayed, Diwali guys left. Khali khali roads is a bliss.”
This calm follows a period of heavy traffic, as just days ago, motorists were stuck in gridlock on the Outer Ring Road due to a bus breakdown that caused delays of nearly two hours over a 12 km stretch. Authorities had issued travel advisories for several exit routes, including Hebbal, Mysuru Road, and Hosur Road, anticipating heavy outbound traffic.
Now, with many gone for the long weekend, the city’s workday rhythm persists but on unusually clear roads, fewer horns, fewer jams, and an almost surreal calm. For those remaining, the unexpected quiet offers faster commutes and a rare glimpse of Bengaluru without its usual congestion.
Conclusion
The current tranquility on Bengaluru’s roads serves as a reminder of the city’s potential for smooth traffic flow during the festive season, offering residents a brief respite from the usual congestion.