Bengaluru: Heavy rain accompanied by hailstorm lashed several parts of Bengaluru for the second consecutive evening on Wednesday, causing widespread waterlogging and severe traffic disruptions across the city.
Areas including MG Road, Kalyan Nagar, Horamavu, Ballari Road, Jayanagar, Banashankari, Majestic, Shantinagar, and Koramangala witnessed intense showers along with thunderstorms and lightning.
Traffic slows amid waterlogging
The late-evening downpour left commuters stranded, with traffic moving at a crawl on several key roads. Motorists heading home after work faced long delays due to waterlogged stretches and reduced visibility.
Major roads affected included Old Madras Road, Pai Layout, Mahadevapura, Allalasandra Main Road, Chokkasandra flyover, Bilekahalli–Arekere Road, Kogilu Road, Binny Mill Road, and Hunasemara Junction Road.
Commuters reported significant inconvenience as vehicles struggled to navigate flooded roads, leading to bottlenecks in multiple parts of the city.
Rainfall data highlights intensity
According to data from the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) through its Varunamitra dashboard, several areas recorded notable rainfall levels by 9:30 pm.
Yelahanka registered the highest rainfall at 28.5 mm, followed by Bommanahalli at 18.5 mm and Bengaluru South at 12 mm.
In northern parts of the city, Jakkur recorded 2.5 cm of rainfall, Chowdeshwari 2.4 cm, Byatarayanapura 2.1 cm, and Vidyaranyapura 1.9 cm. In the southern region, Arekere recorded 1.85 cm of rainfall.
These figures reflect the uneven yet intense distribution of rainfall across different zones of the city.
Hailstorm and thunderstorms add to impact
The rainfall was accompanied by hailstorms in several localities, an uncommon occurrence that added to the disruption. Thunderstorms and lightning were also reported, increasing safety concerns for residents and commuters.
The sudden change in weather conditions caught many off guard, particularly those travelling during peak evening hours.
More rain likely
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued thundershowers in Bengaluru on Thursday, indicating that the current weather pattern is likely to persist.
Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious, especially during evening hours when such weather events are more frequent.
Civic challenges highlighted
The recurring waterlogging has once again highlighted infrastructure challenges in Bengaluru, particularly with drainage systems struggling to cope with heavy rainfall.
Urban planners and civic authorities may face renewed scrutiny as residents demand long-term solutions to mitigate flooding and traffic disruptions during monsoon-like conditions.
Conclusion
The back-to-back spell of heavy rain and hailstorm has disrupted normal life in Bengaluru, affecting daily commuters and exposing gaps in urban infrastructure. With more rain expected, residents are bracing for continued inconvenience in the coming days.