Bengaluru Travel Alert: City Hit by Heavy Rain, Roads Flooded and Traffic at Standstill

By | May 19, 2025

Bengaluru, India’s bustling tech hub, is grappling with widespread flooding and major traffic delays after heavy rains lashed the city over the weekend. The downpour has disrupted daily life, submerged key roads, and led to a citywide travel advisory from the Bengaluru Traffic Police. The advisory, issued on Monday, will remain active until conditions stabilize.

Rains Cause Havoc Across the City

Several parts of Bengaluru have witnessed severe waterlogging, particularly in low-lying areas. Popular commuting routes such as Outer Ring Road (ORR), Bellandur, Silk Board Junction, KR Puram, and Sarjapur Road are among the worst-hit. Overflowing drains and clogged stormwater systems have turned roads into streams, leading to heavy congestion and vehicle breakdowns.

The situation has been especially difficult along the IT corridors. Areas near Marathahalli and Whitefield, which are home to major tech parks and offices, have seen bumper-to-bumper traffic, with some commuters stuck for hours during morning and evening peak hours.

Police Advisory Urges Caution

In response to the deteriorating road conditions, Bengaluru Traffic Police has urged citizens to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. The department’s official statement highlighted that multiple stretches are currently unsafe for vehicles, especially two-wheelers, and asked people to plan alternative routes or use public transport like the Metro.

The advisory includes:

  • Avoiding routes known for flooding, such as Hosur Road, Bellandur, and parts of Indiranagar.
  • Monitoring traffic updates via official Twitter/X handles and local news apps.
  • Delaying non-urgent travel, particularly during high-intensity rainfall periods.
  • Choosing Metro services or carpooling where possible.

Authorities have also placed barricades near waterlogged areas and deployed personnel to direct traffic and assist stranded motorists.

Daily Life Disrupted

The impact of the rains has extended beyond traffic issues. In several neighborhoods like BTM Layout, HSR Layout, and Koramangala, residents are dealing with flooded homes, waterlogged basements, and temporary power outages. In some locations, even ground-floor apartments have seen water seep in, forcing families to move belongings to higher ground.

Delivery services have been either delayed or suspended in certain zones, with online platforms like Zomato and Swiggy notifying users about disruptions. Ride-hailing apps have also been affected, with longer wait times and dynamic pricing making commutes even more difficult.

Offices Switch to Remote Work

Given the severe commuting challenges, many companies have asked employees to work from home. Particularly in the tech sector, firms based along the ORR and Whitefield have instructed staff to operate remotely until further notice.

Several employees shared their experiences on social media, describing traffic gridlocks, stalled vehicles, and waterlogged roads. One user posted, “It took me two hours to travel just four kilometers near Bellandur. Never seen this kind of chaos before.”

BBMP on Emergency Duty

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has deployed multiple emergency teams to pump out water, clear blocked drains, and ensure smooth water flow. Portable motors and flood-response squads are working round-the-clock in heavily affected regions. However, officials have admitted that the existing drainage systems were not equipped to handle such a heavy volume of rain in such a short span.

BBMP Commissioner has appealed to residents to report flooded areas through their mobile app or helpline numbers to ensure timely response.

Weather Outlook Remains Grim

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Bengaluru, indicating the possibility of continued rainfall over the next few days. According to the IMD, moisture-heavy winds from the Arabian Sea and localized pressure systems are contributing to the persistent showers.

Meteorologists have warned that rainfall may intensify in short bursts, increasing the risk of flash floods in vulnerable areas. Citizens are advised to avoid stepping out during peak rainfall hours and to track updates through official weather channels.

Travel and Safety Tips for Citizens

As the city braces for more rain, officials and civic bodies have urged residents to follow basic safety measures:

  • Avoid driving through flooded streets, especially if you’re on a two-wheeler.
  • Stay indoors during heavy rain unless it’s an emergency.
  • Park vehicles in elevated areas to prevent damage.
  • Keep an emergency kit ready, including a power bank, flashlight, dry snacks, and water.
  • Use real-time navigation apps to check traffic conditions before leaving home.

Parents have also been advised to take precautions while sending children to school, especially in areas where roads are submerged.

Citizens Show Community Spirit

Despite the challenges, Bengalureans are once again showing solidarity. Local residents, RWAs (Resident Welfare Associations), and volunteers are assisting each other by offering help to those stranded on roads or unable to return home. Some citizens are distributing drinking water and snacks to commuters stuck in jams, while others are sharing live traffic updates online to help others plan better routes.

Neighborhood groups on WhatsApp and social media are proving invaluable, offering timely advice, weather alerts, and suggestions for safe detours.

Conclusion

With rain showing no signs of letting up and the city’s infrastructure under strain, Bengaluru is going through one of its most challenging weeks in recent memory. While authorities are working tirelessly to bring things back to normal, the cooperation and caution of residents are crucial.

Whether you’re planning a commute or simply stepping out for errands, stay alert, check official updates, and prioritize safety over convenience. Until the skies clear and the waters recede, patience and preparedness will be your best allies.