Bengaluru, 20 May

Relentless rain on Tuesday paralysed traffic across Bengaluru, with waterlogged roads, stalled vehicles, potholes, and closed underpasses compounding commuter woes.

One of the worst-affected stretches was Hosur Road, where traffic between Silk Board and Rupena Agrahara was suspended due to severe flooding. The Elevated Expressway to Electronics City, a vital 9.9km link for IT workers, was also shut during peak hours, stranding thousands. Police diverted vehicles to alternate routes, but congestion persisted.

Motorists in areas like Madivala, BTM Layout, Koramangala, Majestic, Rajajinagar, Queens Road, and Mekhri Circle struggled through knee-deep water. A moving car caught fire on Queens Road towards Balekundri Circle, triggering further delays. Police quickly responded and doused the blaze, with initial reports pointing to a battery spark.

Heavy waterlogging was reported from Iblur Junction, Kasturinagar near Tin Factory, RMS 2nd Stage, and the Benniganahalli underpass, where traffic was suspended towards Tin Factory. KR Puram Police noted delays due to flooding near Grand Seasons Hotel on Ring Road.

In Mico Layout (BTM 2nd Stage), residents faced power outages since Monday evening, with complaints allegedly going unaddressed.

Other rain-hit areas included KR Market, Shantinagar, Banashankari, Jayanagar, Vijayanagar, Hebbal, and Peenya, where tree falls and road damage worsened conditions. Commuters reported severe delays from RV Dental College to Lalbagh, and from Silk Board Metro to HSR Layout.

The Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) advised residents to drive slowly, avoid waterlogged stretches, and ensure vehicle maintenance amid forecasts of more rainfall in the coming days.