In the early hours of Monday, several areas across the city experienced severe traffic congestion due to water stagnation caused by heavy rain.
Motorists were left stranded as roads between Kanakapura and Sarjapura were inundated, significantly slowing vehicle movement. Kiran Kumar, a daily commuter, reported that it took him nearly an hour longer than usual to reach his destination because of the flooded roads. He expressed concern over the city’s preparedness, noting, “Even before the arrival of monsoon, this is the situation the city is witnessing. What would be the plight during the rainy season?”
Responding to the crisis, a senior official from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) confirmed that flood response teams had been dispatched and were actively pumping out water from waterlogged areas. In Sai Layout, BBMP Chief Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao, on May 18, issued several directives aimed at providing immediate relief and identifying long-term solutions to prevent future flooding.
In addition to the traffic disruptions, widespread power outages affected several neighborhoods as rain uprooted electric poles and damaged transmission cables. Residents in areas such as Yelahanka, Hennur, Singasandra, Shivajinagar, Kasturi Nagar, Banaswadi, BTM Layout, Munnekollal, and Matthikere reported being without electricity for hours, with power only returning gradually.
To manage the traffic crisis, the South Division Traffic Police implemented an emergency protocol that included the deployment of motors to pump out water and the mobilization of additional personnel to direct traffic in heavily affected zones. Jurisdictional authorities were instructed to divert vehicles to alternative routes and restrict access to flyovers when necessary to prevent off-roading and further congestion. Traffic personnel were also advised to use digital tools such as the Road Easy app, Google Maps, and FM radio channels to provide real-time traffic updates and help commuters navigate more efficiently.
