Bengaluru: Massive traffic jams have resurfaced in Bengaluru, with social media abuzz with videos and photos showing long streams of vehicles stuck for several hours. A particularly viral video shows a cab driver eating from his lunch box while immobilized in traffic.
Social Media Outcry
A community X handle called Citizens Movement shared the video, stating, “The state of traffic jams today in Bengaluru. The cab driver was having his lunch on the way! This will be conveniently ignored by @siddaramaiah @DKShivakumar government. Because the problem of #Bengaluru doesn’t affect their power.” This video was reportedly taken on Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road, which experienced a massive traffic jam on Wednesday, leaving several commuters stranded for hours and reaching home late.
The state of traffic jam today in Bengaluru. The cab driver was having his lunch on the way!
This will be conveniently ignored by @siddaramaiah @DKShivakumar government. Because the problem of #Bengaluru doesn’t affect their power! #BrandBengaluru
pic.twitter.com/TIxVq8JMiO— Citizens Movement, East Bengaluru (@east_bengaluru) July 10, 2024
Public Reactions
Social media users voiced their frustrations and suggested potential solutions. One user emphasized the need for decongestion, suggesting a halt to the construction of new multi-housing apartments and tech parks in Bengaluru. Instead, they proposed directing new ventures to other underdeveloped towns and cities in Karnataka to reduce migration to Bengaluru.
Another commuter, who travels daily from HAL Road to Whitefield, highlighted the poor road conditions. “See the state of the road from Yemlur junction till Marthahalli bridge. Your back will break. So patched road. It’s a 20 min ride and we reach Whitefield in 45 min or 1 hr. Any government at the helm is not bothered to correct the traffic.”
Overcrowded Public Transport
The metro trains are also overcrowded during peak hours, as many commuters rely on public transport to reach their offices. Employees working in East Bengaluru’s IT parks have a growing list of civic complaints, particularly concerning road conditions, and are demanding government intervention.
Call for Government Action
The longstanding traffic issues on Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road have become a daily nightmare for commuters. Residents and workers alike are calling for immediate action from the government to address these infrastructure and congestion problems, ensuring a smoother and more efficient travel experience in the city.