Heavy rain disrupts Bengaluru traffic as authorities prepare response teams

Multiple spells of rain severely disrupted traffic across Bengaluru on Wednesday, with travel times nearly doubling on several routes, particularly in the eastern part of the city. Traffic on the Outer Ring Road near Marathahalli Junction moved slowly as waterlogging affected several points. Vehicle breakdowns further worsened congestion along the eastern ORR, while the Panathur railway underbridge again became heavily flooded.

Other affected locations included Doddanekundi Junction, Spice Garden, the Kadubeesanahalli underpass and parts of Karthik Nagar. Vidyashilpa Road in north Bengaluru also experienced severe waterlogging, which authorities attributed to ongoing civic works. More than three incidents involving fallen trees were reported, according to sources in the Greater Bengaluru Authority.

The disruption left commuters facing substantial delays as rain continued across the city. Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda directed officials to prepare for the possibility of heavier rain over the next two to three days. The Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority has issued a heavy-rain alert for the next two days, he said.

Gowda instructed Prahari vehicle teams to remain active and patrol the city. He also directed officials to keep control rooms operational around the clock and respond quickly to complaints from any area. Officials were told to keep pumps ready for locations likely to experience serious waterlogging.

They were also asked to ensure sufficient staff were available to remove fallen trees. The material does not provide rainfall totals, details of injuries or an estimate of property damage. It records both the immediate effects on traffic and the authorities’ preparations for further rain.