Bengaluru, August 4: Intermittent heavy rainfall across Bengaluru has led to widespread traffic congestion, waterlogging, and slow-moving vehicles in several parts of the city, disrupting the daily commute for thousands of residents. Continuous showers since early morning inundated major roads and low-lying areas, causing long traffic snarls during peak office hours and delaying public transport services.
Among the worst-affected stretches were Outer Ring Road, Silk Board Junction, Whitefield, Marathahalli, KR Puram, Hebbal, and Electronic City, where rainwater accumulated on roads, reducing vehicle movement and increasing travel times. Several underpasses experienced temporary flooding, forcing motorists to use alternate routes while traffic police diverted vehicles from heavily affected areas.
The Bengaluru Traffic Police issued advisories through social media and official channels, urging commuters to avoid waterlogged roads wherever possible and plan their journeys in advance. Motorists were advised to drive cautiously, maintain safe distances between vehicles, and avoid attempting to cross flooded underpasses. Public transport users also experienced delays as buses and other services were affected by the slow movement of traffic.
Officials from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) deployed emergency response teams to clear blocked stormwater drains and remove fallen tree branches from roads. Civic workers used pumps to drain accumulated water from key junctions while engineering teams inspected vulnerable locations to prevent further flooding. Authorities stated that continuous monitoring would continue until rainfall subsides.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast additional moderate to heavy rainfall over Bengaluru and surrounding districts during the next 24 to 48 hours. Weather officials attributed the persistent showers to active monsoon conditions over southern India and warned that isolated areas could experience brief periods of intense rainfall.
Residents living in low-lying neighbourhoods have been advised to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy downpours. The BBMP has appealed to citizens to report waterlogging, fallen trees, and damaged roads through its emergency helplines and civic complaint platforms to ensure quicker response.
Despite the disruptions, civic authorities said emergency services remain fully operational and are working in coordination with the Traffic Police, Fire and Emergency Services, and disaster management teams to minimise inconvenience. Officials expressed confidence that drainage improvement works and rapid-response measures would help reduce the impact of heavy rainfall as Bengaluru continues to experience active monsoon weather.
